Kidnapped Oyo pupils: AAC guber candidate faults slow response

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Oyo State, Daniel Popoola, has faulted the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government over what he described as their slow response to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area.

Popoola accused the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to adequately address the worsening security situation in the state, despite growing concerns among residents.

In a statement made available to journalists, by his media office, the AAC candidate described the rising wave of kidnappings across Oyo State as alarming, alleging that criminals now operate freely on highways, farmlands and in rural communities.

According to him, the insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their farms, restricted the movement of traders and left families devastated as they struggle to raise ransom payments for kidnapped relatives.

“The people of Orire Local Government Area, and indeed many residents of Oyo State, are living in fear. Kidnappers now control our highways, farms and villages. Fathers are abducted before their children, farmers can no longer cultivate their land, traders cannot travel after 6 p.m., and families are forced to sell their property to pay ransom. This is survival, not life,” he said.

Popoola expressed disappointment over what he described as the lack of decisive action by both the Federal and state governments, insisting that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of any government.

“We continue to hear press conferences and see impressive statistics, but the reality on the ground is different. There are no effective patrols, no significant arrests and no meaningful rescue operations. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. In Oyo State today, that responsibility has failed,” he stated.

The AAC standard-bearer also criticized the deployment of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, alleging that the outfit has not been effectively utilized to safeguard vulnerable communities.

“Amotekun was established to protect our forests, villages and rural communities. Unfortunately, it has been turned into an outfit that mainly provides security for political elites, while kidnappers continue to terrorize innocent citizens,” he alleged.

Calling for political change, Popoola urged Oyo residents to reject what he described as the failure of the dominant political parties to tackle insecurity.

“I call on the people of Oyo State and Nigerians to support the African Action Congress (AAC) and reject the APC, PDP and APM. For years, these parties have prioritised politics over the safety of the people. The situation in Orire is a painful reminder of that failure,” he said.

He pledged that an AAC administration, if elected in 2027, would strengthen Amotekun, equip local vigilante groups, collaborate with hunters and improve security across rural communities, farms and major roads in the state.

“Our administration will return Amotekun to its original purpose, equip local vigilantes, collaborate with hunters and ensure that every village, farm and road is secure. No citizen should live in fear while elected officials enjoy protection in Ibadan and Abuja,” he said.

Popoola maintained that the security of lives and property must remain the government’s highest priority, declaring: “Enough is enough. Oyo deserves safety. Oyo deserves better.”

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