The Elerepamo of Pamo, Oba Ayobami Ogunmakinde, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has supported the warning by the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, over the growing attacks and kidnapping of farmers across the South-West.
The monarch made the position known while speaking with Punch Newspaper in Ibadan on Sunday, calling for urgent and proactive security measures to protect farmers and residents, particularly in remote communities across Oyo State.
Afenifere had raised the alarm over the security situation in parts of Yorubaland, saying persistent attacks, abductions and other threats had forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan on Friday, the organisation said its recent visits to Oke-Ogun and northern parts of Oyo and Ondo states revealed widespread concerns among residents.
According to Afenifere, farmers were abandoning their farms for three major reasons: fear of kidnapping, poor returns caused by declining prices and the activities of middlemen, as well as the continued grazing of farmlands by unscrupulous herders.
The organisation warned that the development could have serious consequences for food production and security in the region if urgent measures were not taken.
Backing the concerns, Ogunmakinde said the recent abduction of schoolchildren and their teachers had further heightened fears among residents of Oriire and neighbouring communities.
He said although security personnel were making efforts, more needed to be done to effectively tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
“As far as security is concerned, I would align with the organisation. The fear is too much. Our farmers cannot go to their farms again. Our security personnel are trying, but we still want them to do more,” the monarch said.
Ogunmakinde appealed to the Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police to upgrade the existing Police Post in Pamo to a full-fledged divisional police headquarters.
“We are not asking for too much. We are begging them to help us upgrade the Police Post to a full-fledged Divisional Police Headquarters,” he said.
The monarch expressed optimism that strengthening security infrastructure in the area would help curb kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
He also said the establishment of two military bases and another divisional police headquarters in Ogbomoso would further improve security across the area.
His appeal comes against the backdrop of the abduction of more than 40 pupils and their teachers in coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School and L.A Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, on May 15, 2025.
The victims were held in captivity for 56 days before regaining their freedom on July 10, 2026.
The monarch said the incident had reinforced the need for government to intensify security operations and restore confidence among residents, particularly farmers whose livelihoods depend on access to their farmlands.
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