KEY POINTS

• Hunters in Ogun State raised alarm over alleged threats by kidnappers to abduct schoolchildren in Odeda communities.
• The warning follows the recent kidnapping of a petrol station manager who was later released after ransom payment.
• Local hunters are asking the Ogun State Government for weapons, motorcycles, and logistics to strengthen community security operations.

Local hunters in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised fresh concerns over growing insecurity after suspected kidnappers allegedly sent threatening letters warning that schoolchildren in several communities could soon be abducted.

The hunters said the threats have created fear among residents, especially parents, as insecurity continues to spread across rural communities in the state.

According to them, the alarming development comes barely two weeks after a petrol station manager was kidnapped in the area and later released after ransom was reportedly paid.

Hunters Confirm Threat Letters Circulating in Communities

Speaking during the Ojukoro radio programme on Smash 88.1 FM in Abeokuta, Chairman of the Hunters’ Association in Odeda, Festus Ogundairo, said the security situation in the council area has become increasingly disturbing.

Ogundairo explained that insecurity is not limited to Odeda alone, but stressed that residents in the area are particularly worried because of recent incidents and threats.

He recalled that the kidnapped petrol station manager was abducted around 7 p.m. near a filling station located beyond a secondary school within the local government area.

According to him, information circulating on social media indicates that armed groups have sent letters to some communities threatening to attack schools and abduct pupils. He added that some towns and villages were specifically mentioned in the threats.

Ogundairo said security agencies and local operatives have already started taking steps to prevent any possible attack on schools and nearby communities.

He noted that local hunters and vigilantes are ready to support conventional security agencies but require more support from the Ogun State Government to operate effectively.

According to him, local hunters possess deep knowledge of the forests and terrain where criminals often hide, making them valuable in combating kidnappers and bandits.