THREAT TO ATTACK SCHOOLS IN OGUN STATE

THREAT TO ATTACK SCHOOLS IN OGUN STATE Available intelligence revealed further planned attacks by suspected kidnappers on some communities in Odeda and Imeko/Afon Local Government Areas of Ogun State. The target village in Odeda is BAKATARI at coordinate (7°24'00" N, 3°42'00" E), a border community between Ogun and Oyo States. The village is close to Orile Ilugun, Olofin, and Olowo. Also, the target area in Imeko/Afon is IMEKO Town (7.4489°N, 2.8429°E), a borderline community to Oyo State and close to Konkom Hill. Intelligence further revealed that some persons suspected to be informants/kidnappers usually enter Odeda town covering their faces while riding motorcycles or moving on foot, mostly during evening hours between 1700hrs and 1900hrs, before returning to the forest. The planned attacks are said to target schools within the next two weeks. The kidnappers intend to use military camouflage/uniforms to deceive residents, similar to the tactic used during the Ahoro–Esinele community attack in Oyo State, where locals mistook the criminals wearing military uniforms for conventional soldiers providing security in the area. COMMENT In my opinion, the criminals’ intention to carry out fresh attacks in Ogun State is likely aimed at replicating the earlier kidnapping incident that occurred in Oyo State, thereby further embarrassing the government. It is therefore imperative for security agencies in the affected areas to be placed on red alert and remain vigilant to counter any intended security threats. Additionally, drones can be deployed to monitor activities since the affected areas are heavily forested. Citizens, communities, and local residents should remain vigilant and report any unusual movement, especially when a large number of persons wearing military uniforms are seen riding motorcycles or moving on foot within their environment, or when unfamiliar faces are sighted around the area. Such activities should be reported immediately to the appropriate security agencies for prompt action. It is truly unfortunate that, in recent times, the South-West region has begun experiencing increasing security threats and terrorist-related attacks.