By DAYO ADESULU
Fresh fears have emerged in parts of Ogun State after local hunters in Odeda Local Government Area warned of growing insecurity and alleged plans by suspected kidnappers to target schoolchildren in several communities.
The warning came amid rising concerns over increasing cases of abduction and attacks in rural areas across the state, with residents reportedly becoming more anxious over messages circulating on social media about possible kidnappings.
Speaking during a radio programme in Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Hunters’ Association in Odeda Local Government Area, Festus Ogundairo, said communities in the area are currently under tension following reports that armed criminals may launch attacks on schools and villages.
According to him, the fear intensified after a petrol station manager was kidnapped in the area about two weeks ago and later released after ransom was allegedly paid.
Ogundairo explained that the victim was abducted around evening hours near a filling station located after a secondary school within the council area.
He noted that although insecurity is affecting different parts of the country, the situation in Odeda has become increasingly disturbing due to threats allegedly directed at students and schools.
The hunters’ leader claimed that messages being shared online indicated that some armed groups had threatened to invade certain communities to abduct pupils and students.
He added that specific towns and villages within Odeda Local Government Area were allegedly mentioned in the threats, raising panic among parents and residents.
According to him, local security operatives and community hunters have already begun surveillance efforts to prevent any possible attack.
Ogundairo appealed to the Ogun State Government and security agencies to provide better support for local hunters, insisting that they possess deep knowledge of the forests and terrain where kidnappers often operate.
He stressed that the hunters require legal firearms, ammunition and logistics to effectively confront criminal groups terrorising rural communities.
The association also requested motorcycles to improve mobility during security patrols across difficult terrains and remote villages.
The hunters maintained that stronger collaboration between local vigilantes, hunters and conventional security agencies remains critical to tackling kidnappings and violent crimes in affected communities.
They argued that community-based security groups are often the first responders during attacks because they are familiar with the environment and movement patterns within the area.
Residents in some parts of Ogun State have recently expressed concern over increasing security threats, especially in rural communities where forests and isolated roads are believed to provide hideouts for kidnappers and armed gangs.
The latest alarm has further heightened concerns among parents and school authorities over the safety of students in vulnerable communities.
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