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Recent deadly attacks in Oyo, Ogun and some other parts of the South West by suspected terrorists have triggered tension across sections of the region.

There have reportedly been a series of coordinated attacks on unsuspecting residents, fueling speculation that insurgents responsible for violence in the North East may have infiltrated Yorubaland.

Several unprovoked attacks involving killings and abductions have recently been recorded across the region.

On April 18, 2026, heavily armed men suspected to be terrorists reportedly invaded a church during an open-air crusade in Eda Oniyo, Ekiti State, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.

Also, on May 12, 2026, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction of three members of a family by suspected terrorists at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke-Eri, in Ijebu Ode.

A few days after the Ogun incident, police and vigilante operatives reportedly disrupted an alleged ₦10 million ransom collection operation by a suspected kidnapping gang in Otefon Village Forest, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Earlier, a schoolgirl was reportedly kidnapped in the Challenge area of Ibadan, while a retired teacher was killed on his farm in Ago Area, Oke Ogun, Oyo State.

Oyo school abduction

More alarming was the recent attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where assailants reportedly killed at least two persons and abducted more than 30 students and teachers.

Terrorists riding on motorcycles reportedly attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, sparking panic across the South West region.

One of the abducted teachers was later reportedly beheaded by the assailants a few days after the victims were taken to an unknown location.

A short video clip allegedly released by the terrorists on Sunday, May 17, 2026, reportedly showed the beheading of the teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun.

The remaining victims have now spent at least 11 days in captivity despite security operatives combing nearby forests.

Families and community leaders said their fears have worsened as the rainy season intensifies, making movement through forests and rough terrains increasingly difficult and dangerous for the captives, especially toddlers among them.

Suspects arrested

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, Olayinka Olushola, told ZINGTIE on Saturday that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to him, eight suspects were already in custody as of Thursday, while additional arrests were made on Friday in relation to the attacks.

He said, “We have suspects in custody, even yesterday, arrests were made in respect to the incident.

“Eight people have been in custody but more people were arrested yesterday (Friday) we are currently profiling them to know who and who were involved in the attacks.

“Investigation has been on and we will come up with the exact number of arrested suspects when they are fully profiled”.

Tension in Lagos

ZINGTIE gathered at the weekend that security has been strengthened around schools and public places across Lagos State over fears of possible terrorist attacks.

A resident, Monica Agwu, confirmed increased security presence in strategic locations, including worship centres, saying “everybody is currently at alert”.

“Oyo State to Lagos is just about 100 kilometers, so if they are attacking in Oyo, I don’t think Lagos State is safe.

“The government has failed us, people are worried about how they can pay their children’s school fees and after all the stress, you are still not sure of the safety of your children.

“It is a terrible moment for our country. The government doesn’t want to take responsibility but we will still blame them because it is their duty to protect our lives”, she said.

Similarly, social critic VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM, alleged in a video shared on his social media pages that criminal elements may already be close to Lagos.

“Before now, they said Lagos State is safe, now, the story is different but they don’t won’t to tell you the truth.

“If they (terrorists) are already in Oyo State then they are already in Lagos State. They are everywhere.

“They are only looking for the best strategy to attack the city but they are already there”, VDM said.

However, when contacted by DAILY POST, the deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Ambimbola Adebisi, said “several things have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents”.

State Police is the only way out – Expert

A security expert, Stanley Abiodun, said the establishment of state police remains the only solution to the prolonged security challenges confronting the country.

He, however, lamented what he described as the “politicization of serious national issues,” insisting that state police should already have been implemented if not for politics.

He said, “It’s not like they don’t know what to do to end this crisis. They know but the politicization of important national matters will not allow Nigeria to grow.

“This very government is ready to establish state police but because they are not sure if the local security will be used against them in the 2027 election, they want to win first.

“The terrorists may be everywhere in Yorubaland. I knew that from when they started attacking schools and churches in Kwara State. The target is obviously not Kwara but Lagos.

“Our security agencies lack what it takes to stop these bad boys from migrating from one place to another. 

“Imagine posting a police officer, who is originally from South East to a place like Ekiti State, he won’t know all the terrains where criminals could possibly pass. But when we have state police, you will see changes.

“They understand their land. They know who is behaving funny and who is not a member of their community. This is the only way to go”.

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