Reps raise alarm over rising kidnappings, killings in Ekiti communities

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks in parts of Ekiti State, particularly in the Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency.

The warning followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the lawmaker representing the constituency, Akintunde Rotimi, who highlighted that criminal gangs operating from surrounding forests have turned some communities into high-risk areas, forcing farmers to abandon their farmlands and residents to live in fear.

During plenary, Rotimi said communities including Oke-Ako, Ipao, Irele, Itapaji, Iyemero, and Ijowa in Ikole Local Government Area have witnessed rising cases of abductions and violent attacks in recent months.

He noted that kidnappers are particularly active along the Oke-Ako–Ipao–Irele corridor, targeting residents, farmers, and travellers from nearby forests. Rotimi cited a tragic incident in late February 2026, where a middle-aged woman was abducted in the Ajoni area, sexually assaulted, and killed by kidnappers who allegedly demanded ₦1.5 million ransom along with other items before leaving her remains.

The lawmaker added that individuals attempting to negotiate or deliver ransom were reportedly abducted by the same criminal group. He also disclosed attacks on farmers within the Irele axis, including the killing of an elderly woman popularly known as “Mummy Isaac,” and noted that other victims were held in captivity for extended periods, with one resident of Oke-Ako spending about two weeks in kidnappers’ den before regaining freedom after being moved across state borders.

Rotimi emphasized that armed gangs have effectively occupied forests surrounding the affected communities, using them as operational bases for attacks. He warned that forests along the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara border corridor have become hideouts for criminals, complicating security operations and enabling perpetrators to evade arrest.

He further stressed that the insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their lands, threatening agricultural productivity and local food supply, and posed risks to traders, students, and travellers who rely on the affected routes.

In response, the House urged the Federal Government to direct security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, to intensify operations in the affected communities. The lawmakers also called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate joint security measures to dismantle criminal camps along the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara border.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to engage with relevant security agencies and report back within four weeks on steps taken to address the situation.

The session concluded with a minute of silence in honour of victims of kidnapping and violent crimes in the constituency and across the country.