Mirian Gom 
OYO, Nigeria – Traditional rulers in Oyo State are demanding urgent federal intervention after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Ogbomosoland.
The monarchs call on the Federal Government to establish a military base in Oriire Local Government Area to tackle rising insecurity and protect communities near forest reserves vulnerable to bandit attacks.
The demand emerged during a meeting attended by traditional rulers from five local government areas, including the Alapa of Apa, Akin Akintola, members of the Soun-in-Council and other community leaders.
“We are demanding immediate Federal intervention, including the establishment of a military formation close to the forest reserve,” Oba Akintola said on Tuesday.
He warns that escalating attacks by armed groups have overwhelmed local policing efforts and now require full military operations.
“I don’t think the police can handle this alone,” he adds. “A military base will offer broader protection and help secure the entire area.”
The monarchs say bandits have infiltrated parts of the South-West, forcing residents to flee rural communities and abandon farming activities due to fear of abduction.
“Our people can no longer sleep peacefully,” Akintola says. “Farmers are afraid to go to their farms because of attacks and abduction.”
Gunmen reportedly stormed three schools in the Oriire axis on Friday morning, firing shots and abducting pupils and teachers during coordinated raids that triggered panic across surrounding communities.
The traditional rulers appeal to President Bola Tinubu to approve the military base as part of broader efforts to restore security in the region.
Residents warn that continued insecurity could deepen food shortages and economic hardship as farming activities decline across affected communities.
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