Growing insecurity across Nigeria’s South-West is raising fresh concerns among residents, community leaders and security officials, as kidnappings, killings and armed attacks spread across several states.

Areas once regarded as relatively calm compared with other parts of the country are now witnessing frequent incidents of violence.

States including Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ogun have recorded a surge in abductions and attacks in recent months.

Many residents say fear has become part of daily life, particularly in rural communities and along highways where criminal groups operate from forests and remote settlements.

Security reports indicate that at least 32 attacks have been recorded in the region within the past two months, leaving farmers, travellers and residents increasingly vulnerable.

Farmers abandon farmlands

The growing threat has forced many farmers to abandon their fields, especially in isolated communities where armed men often strike.

Residents say kidnappers and gunmen frequently target farming settlements, attack villagers and demand large ransoms from victims’ families.

Community leaders warn that the situation could affect food production as farmers avoid their lands for fear of being attacked or abducted.

Travellers are also becoming cautious on major roads across the region, particularly routes that pass through forests and sparsely populated areas.

Ondo grapples with rising attacks

Ondo State has witnessed some of the most disturbing incidents in the region.

Communities across Akure North, Owo and Akoko areas have reported kidnappings, killings and attacks on farms and settlements.

In one case, the traditional ruler of Agamo community, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, was killed in his palace after gunmen attempted to abduct him. When the attempt failed, the attackers reportedly beat him to death.

Several other incidents have also shaken residents, including attacks on farming communities and the abduction of worshippers during a church service in Owo Local Government Area.

The situation has triggered protests in parts of the state. Residents of Akure North recently blocked a highway to demand stronger security measures following repeated kidnappings.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has announced new security measures, including a ban on nighttime motorcycle operations in some areas. Security agencies say more than 160 suspects have been arrested in connection with various crimes.

Border communities under pressure

In Osun State, residents of communities along the Osun-Kwara border say attacks from armed groups have increased.

Villages that once experienced little crime are now reporting kidnappings and killings. In one incident, gunmen abducted a retired customs officer in Ora-Igbomina community before releasing him weeks later after ransom was paid.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to strengthen patrols around border communities to prevent criminal groups from entering the state.

Rising incidents in Oyo and Ogun

Communities in Oyo State, particularly Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and parts of Ogbomoso, have also recorded several kidnapping cases.

Security officials say at least 15 people were abducted in different parts of the state within one month, although police later rescued the victims through coordinated operations.

Authorities say security agencies and the Amotekun Corps have increased surveillance in forested areas where kidnappers often hide.

In Ogun State, kidnappers have increasingly targeted farmers and agribusiness operators.

One widely reported incident occurred in Odogbolu Local Government Area, where gunmen attacked a fish farm cluster and abducted several people, including women who had come to buy fish. The victims were later released after a ransom reportedly totalling N70 million was paid.

Ekiti communities face cross-border threats

Border communities in Ekiti State are also facing security challenges linked to criminal groups operating along the Ekiti-Kogi-Kwara corridor.

Residents report repeated attacks on farmers and travellers, while some kidnapping cases have resulted in deaths.

In one incident in Erinmope-Ekiti, gunmen abducted five women, including a nursing mother and a pregnant woman. One of the victims later died in captivity before others were released after ransom payments.

Security officials say the forests along the border areas have become hideouts for criminal gangs, making rescue operations more difficult.

Calls for stronger security

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has warned that the region is facing increasing pressure from armed groups moving southward from other parts of the country.

Community leaders and farmers’ groups are now calling for stronger security patrols, improved intelligence gathering and the clearing of forests believed to harbour criminal camps.

For many residents across the South-West, the rising violence has created a new reality. Farming, travelling and daily life now come with a level of caution that was once uncommon in the region.