Members of the various Traditional Councils of Obas and Chiefs in the Ogbomoso Zone have issued a stern warning to any traditional ruler or community leader found engaging in illicit dealings or collaborating with criminal elements, stating that if caught, such individuals will face the full weight of the law.

The warning was issued following the killing of innocent residents and the abduction of school pupils, a secondary school teacher, a Vice Principal, and a Principal at Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso Zone, Oyo State.

The body expressed deep sorrow and commiserated with the families of the victims and the teacher who was gruesomely murdered.

The council also acknowledged the visit, at the instance of His Imperial Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, by the Soun-in-Council to the family of the deceased, as well as to the injured and abducted victims. The promise of continued engagement and support is duly noted and appreciated.

The council commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its prompt response and commitment to addressing the situation. The visit of the Inspector General of Police on behalf of the Federal Government and the immediate deployment of security agencies to the affected communities and surrounding areas were also highly appreciated.

In the same vein, the swift response and proactive measures of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo State Government were acknowledged with gratitude.

The council appealed for calm, vigilance, cooperation, and prayers from all residents of Ogbomoso Zone across the five Local Government Areas. The public is further urged to remain law-abiding and to allow security agencies to carry out their duties without interference.

The body called for strengthened collaboration and harmonious relations among traditional rulers in the zone to address the current security challenges and prevent future occurrences collectively.

The council appealed for continued diplomatic, strategic, and balanced approaches in handling the situation to ensure the safe release of the abductees while minimising collateral damage to lives and property.

The traditional leaders urged the Federal Government to urgently review and reduce the vast forest reserve areas spanning multiple states, many of which have now become hideouts for criminal elements due to their proximity to communities.

“It is proposed that approximately 20 kilometres of forest reserve land be ceded to relevant state governments for regulated and productive use by adjoining communities in order to curtail criminal activities within such areas,” they said.

The council also strongly advocated for the establishment of State Police to complement the Federal Police Force, whose current manpower is overstretched, and urged that all necessary legislative processes be expedited

Furthermore, the council urgently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to approve the establishment of a Military Base within the Ogbomoso Zone, preferably in Orire Local Government Area, due to its proximity to forest reserves and vulnerability to repeated attacks.

“In addition, the establishment of military checkpoints along strategic border routes between Oyo and Kwara states is strongly recommended to curb the illegal movement of arms and infiltration of criminal elements into the region,” the council said.