The House of Representatives on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the escalating kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks in parts of Ekiti State, particularly within the Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency.
The alert followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by the constituency’s lawmaker, Akintunde Rotimi, who warned that criminal gangs operating from nearby forests have turned several communities into high-risk zones, forcing farmers to abandon their farmlands and residents to live in constant fear.
During plenary, Rotimi identified Oke-Ako, Ipao, Irele, Itapaji, Iyemero, and Ijowa in Ikole Local Government Area as hot spots for abductions and violent attacks. He said kidnappers are particularly active along the Oke-Ako–Ipao–Irele corridor, targeting residents, travellers, and farmers.
Highlighting a chilling case in late February 2026, Rotimi recounted how a middle-aged woman in the Ajoni area was abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed after her kidnappers demanded a ₦1.5 million ransom along with other valuables. He added that individuals attempting to negotiate or deliver ransom were also taken hostage.
Rotimi further reported attacks on farmers within the Irele axis, including the killing of an elderly woman known as “Mummy Isaac.” Some victims were held captive for extended periods, with one Oke-Ako resident spending about two weeks in captivity before being freed across state borders.
The lawmaker warned that armed gangs have taken over forests surrounding the affected communities, using them as operational bases. He noted that forests along the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara border have become hideouts, complicating security efforts and allowing perpetrators to evade arrest.
He stressed that the insecurity has forced farmers to abandon their lands, threatening agricultural productivity, while also endangering traders, students, and travellers who rely on these routes.
In response, the House urged the Federal Government to direct security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, to step up operations in the affected communities. Lawmakers also called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate joint measures to dismantle criminal camps along the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara corridor.
The House further 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 the actions taken.
The session concluded with a minute of silence in honour of victims of kidnapping and violent crimes in the constituency and across Nigeria.
Advertisement
