The Oyo State Government has raised concerns over what it described as a disturbing pattern of kidnapping incidents in the state, following the reported abduction of 18 Oyo students returning from Sokoto State over the weekend.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in a statement issued on Monday, questioned whether the recent incidents were mere coincidences or part of a coordinated attempt to disrupt the state.
Oyelade asked: “Are we being targeted? Are we under an organised siege? Are these uncommon decoys to distract us? Is this a political attack targeting scholarship and conviction?”
The Commissioner recalled that on Friday, May 15, students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area were abducted and subsequently spent 56 days in captivity under what he described as harrowing circumstances.
According to him, following a review of the circumstances surrounding the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde instituted a Judicial Panel of Inquiry, headed
Justice (Professor) Mojeed, on July 31.
He noted that the panel submitted its report last week, adding that the decision to establish the panel had initially generated considerable public interest.
Oyelade said the development had become more significant following two further kidnapping incidents reported in Oyo State since the submission of the panel’s report.
He asked whether the timing of the incidents was merely coincidental, stating, “If it is, it is one too many.”
The Commissioner stressed that residents of Oyo State deserve to know those responsible for attempts to undermine their freedom, particularly their liberty to pursue education, knowledge and participate freely in civic and political life.
He called for vigilance and continued attention to the security of residents across the state.
E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon. Commissioner for Information
Oyo State
5th October, 2026
