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Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the government to boost security presence in communities within the Ekiti North I Federal Constituency following a rise in kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes in the area.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Presenting the motion, Rotimi stated what he described as a growing pattern of kidnappings and violent attacks across several communities in the Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, particularly in areas such as Oke-Ako, Ipao, Irele, Itapaji, Iyemero and Ijowa in Ikole Local Government Area.
He said recent reports indicated that kidnappers operating from nearby forests had been abducting residents, farmers and travellers along the Oke-Ako-Ipao-Irele corridor, creating widespread fear among local populations.
Rotimi also referred to a particularly troubling incident in late February 2026 in which a woman was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted and killed in the Ajoni area. He said the attackers reportedly demanded a ransom of N1.5 million, along with drugs and other unusual items, before releasing the victim’s remains.
“The House notes the recent reports of kidnapping incidents along the Oke-Ako/Ipao/Irele corridor where criminal elements operating from nearby forests have abducted residents, farmers and travellers, thereby creating widespread fear and insecurity among the local population.
“We are aware of a particularly disturbing incident in late February 2026 in which a middle-aged woman was reportedly abducted, sexually assaulted and killed by kidnappers in the Ajoni area, after which the perpetrators allegedly demanded a ransom of ₦1.5m together with illicit drugs and other unusual items before releasing the victim’s remains.”
According to the lawmaker, efforts by community members to negotiate with the kidnappers or deliver ransom payments reportedly led to further abductions by the same group, worsening tensions in the affected communities.
He also drew attention to attacks on farmers in the Irele axis, noting that several residents had been kidnapped while working on their farms.
The lawmaker also noted that the forest corridor spanning the borders of Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states had become a major hideout for criminal groups, making it easier for them to evade arrest and complicating security operations.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the Nigerian Government, through the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to immediately intensify security operations in the affected communities.
Lawmakers also called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate a joint security operation involving federal agencies to identify and dismantle criminal camps operating in forests around the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara border axis.
In addition, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to engage relevant security agencies on measures being taken to address the situation and report back within four weeks.
In recent months, several rural communities in northern Ekiti have witnessed a sharp rise in kidnappings and violent incidents, particularly in areas bordering neighbouring states. Communities in Ikole Local Government Area have been among the hardest hit, with farmers, traders and travellers frequently targeted by criminal gangs.
Security experts and community leaders have linked the growing insecurity to the vast forest belts stretching across Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states, which have reportedly become safe havens for armed groups that launch attacks on rural settlements and highways before retreating into the dense terrain.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate security presence and the vulnerability of farmers who must travel long distances through isolated routes to reach their farmlands. The situation has disrupted economic activities in many agrarian communities where farming remains the primary source of livelihood.
