Growing cases of killings, kidnappings and coordinated attacks in parts of the South West have heightened fears among residents, with concerns mounting over the possible infiltration of terrorist groups into the region.
Recent incidents recorded in Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti and other parts of the South West have triggered widespread tension, as communities grapple with increasing insecurity and violent attacks on civilians.
On April 18, 2026, armed men suspected to be terrorists reportedly invaded a church during an open air crusade in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.
In Ogun State, the police command confirmed the abduction of three members of a family on May 12, 2026, at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke Eri, in Ijebu Ode.
Days later, security operatives reportedly foiled an attempted N10 million ransom collection operation linked to a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Otefon Village Forest, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Other incidents include the reported kidnapping of a schoolgirl in the Challenge area of Ibadan and the killing of a retired teacher on his farm in the Ago area of Oke Ogun, Oyo State.
Particularly alarming was the recent attack on three schools within the Ahoro Esinle and Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Armed assailants riding motorcycles reportedly stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Ahoro Esinle, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, killing at least two persons and abducting more than 30 students and teachers.
One of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was later reportedly beheaded by the attackers. A video said to have been released by the gunmen allegedly showed the execution days after the abduction.
Families of the remaining victims, who have now spent several days in captivity, expressed fears over worsening weather conditions and the difficult terrain security operatives must navigate during rescue operations.
Confirming developments in the investigation, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Olushola, disclosed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks.
“We have suspects in custody, even yesterday, arrests were made in respect to the incident.
“Eight people have been in custody but more people were arrested yesterday (Friday) we are currently profiling them to know who and who were involved in the attacks.
“Investigation has been on and we will come up with the exact number of arrested suspects when they are fully profiled,” he said.
Meanwhile, anxiety has reportedly increased in Lagos, where security presence has been strengthened around schools, worship centres and other public locations over fears of possible attacks.
A resident, Monica Agwu, said many residents were now on alert due to the rising insecurity in neighbouring states.
“Oyo State to Lagos is just about 100 kilometers, so if they are attacking in Oyo, I don’t think Lagos State is safe.
“The government has failed us, people are worried about how they can pay their children’s school fees and after all the stress, you are still not sure of the safety of your children.
“It is a terrible moment for our country. The government doesn’t want to take responsibility but we will still blame them because it is their duty to protect our lives,” she said.
Popular social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, alleged in a video shared on social media that criminal elements may already be close to Lagos.
“Before now, they said Lagos State is safe, now, the story is different but they don’t want to tell you the truth.
“If they are already in Oyo State then they are already in Lagos State. They are everywhere.
“They are only looking for the best strategy to attack the city but they are already there,” he claimed.
Responding to concerns, the deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command, SP Ambimbola Adebisi, stated that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure residents’ safety.
Security expert Stanley Abiodun argued that the establishment of state police remains the most effective solution to Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis.
According to him, political interests have continued to delay meaningful reforms needed to tackle insecurity across the country.
“It’s not like they don’t know what to do to end this crisis. They know but the politicization of important national matters will not allow Nigeria to grow.
“This very government is ready to establish state police but because they are not sure if the local security will be used against them in the 2027 election, they want to win first.
“The terrorists may be everywhere in Yorubaland. I knew that from when they started attacking schools and churches in Kwara State. The target is obviously not Kwara but Lagos,” he said.
Abiodun further argued that locally based policing would improve intelligence gathering and help communities identify suspicious movements more effectively.
“They understand their land. They know who is behaving funny and who is not a member of their community. This is the only way to go,” he added.
