The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to strengthen security in communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park to prevent a recurrence of the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The monarch made the appeal while reacting to the successful rescue of the victims, who spent 56 days in captivity after they were abducted by terrorists during coordinated attacks on three schools in the Oriire axis of the state.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, Oba Ladoja described the rescue operation as a significant achievement, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims' release.
However, the former Oyo State governor stressed that the successful rescue should not signal the end of government intervention but rather the beginning of more proactive security measures, especially in communities sharing boundaries with the Old Oyo National Park, which has repeatedly been identified as a hideout for criminal elements.
The monarch noted that intelligence reports indicated the abducted pupils and teachers were held within the forest surrounding the National Park before they were eventually rescued.
"The release of the victims is a landmark achievement of the present administration in the country. The issue of security in the country is being taken seriously by the administration," the monarch stated.
He further urged both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to immediately reinforce security around all communities bordering the National Park to prevent kidnappers and other criminal groups from exploiting the vast forest as a safe haven for their operations.
Oba Ladoja also called on the government to ensure proper rehabilitation, medical care, and psychological support for the rescued pupils and teachers, noting that they would require adequate care to recover from the traumatic experience of spending nearly two months in captivity.
The revered monarch maintained that while the successful rescue deserves commendation, greater priority must now be placed on preventing future attacks through improved intelligence gathering, stronger security presence, and sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
He expressed optimism that with sustained commitment from all stakeholders, lasting peace and security can be restored across Oyo State and other vulnerable parts of the country.