Chief Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka, the Ladilu of Oyo Kingdom and ADC gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, has condemned the recent attack in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, where residents were killed and over 40 students abducted.
In a press statement released Friday by his aide Kehinde Owolabi, Ilaka described the assault as “baric, painful, and unacceptable.” He said the attack was carried out by more than 30 armed men riding motorcycles and dressed in military camouflage.
“The loss of innocent lives and the abduction of more than 40 students is a grim reminder of the growing insecurity threatening communities in northern Oyo State,” Ilaka said. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the safe return of those abducted.
The former Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor called on the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders to urgently strengthen operations across the affected communities and the forest corridors linking Oyo with neighboring states.
“Proactive measures must be taken to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further infiltration of armed groups into the region,” he said. Ilaka added that local communities should be integrated into intelligence gathering and early-warning systems to improve response time to threats.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, saying collective action was needed to restore confidence and safety. Ilaka also offered prayers for peace and stability in Oriire LGA, the Ogbomoso zone, and Oyo State at large.
“Enough is enough regarding the continued killing and kidnapping of innocent Nigerians,” he said, reaffirming his call for decisive action against criminal gangs operating in the state.
The Ahoro-Esinle attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents in parts of Oyo State that have heightened concerns over rural security and the safety of schools. State authorities had earlier ordered the temporary closure of schools in Oriire and neighboring LGAs before announcing their reopening after the deployment of additional security operatives..
