The African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, Dr. Kazeem Adesina Abidikugu, has condemned the rising wave of kidnappings and banditry in Oyo State and across Nigeria, calling for urgent coordinated action to secure the release of abducted victims.
Abidikugu, in a statement issued on Thursday, expressed deep concern over recent attacks in Oyo communities, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, where two teachers were killed, as well as the kidnapping of Busayo John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons in Ibadan.
He described the incidents as “tragic and unacceptable,” urging both federal and state governments to prioritise the protection of lives and property, which he said remains the core responsibility of any government.
The UK-based psychiatric consultant and Agba-Akin Bobajiro of Ibadanland called for intensified rescue operations to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.
“As a parent, I understand the agony of families of abducted children. All hands must be on deck to ensure their safe return,” he said.
Abidikugu also sympathised with families affected by the attacks, including those of the slain teachers in Oriire and the Adelabu family, praying for the safe release of the victims still in captivity.
He urged security agencies and government authorities to avoid politicising insecurity, stressing that the welfare of children and vulnerable citizens must remain a national priority.
According to him, “It is sad that pupils, some as young as two and three years, and their teachers have been held in the forest for weeks.”
He further called for the deployment of modern technology and stronger security coordination to tackle kidnapping and banditry, warning that delays in action could worsen the humanitarian situation.
Abidikugu urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to treat insecurity as a matter of urgent national concern requiring decisive intervention.
