Oriire kidnapping: ODDA demands urgent action, safe release of victims, urges use of foreign forces if

Oriire kidnapping: ODDA demands urgent action, safe release of victims, urges use of foreign forces if

Yinka ADETUNJI

The Ogbomoso Descendants Development Association (ODDA) has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of innocent citizens abducted in the Oriire area of Ogbomosoland, describing the situation as a humanitarian emergency that requires urgent and extraordinary intervention.

In a press communiqué signed by its Chairman, AVM (Dr.) JB Adigun (rtd), Akogun of Ogbomosoland, the association lamented the prolonged suffering of the victims and their families, noting that what began as a security incident has developed into a crisis of grave proportions.

This is as it urges exploring partnership with foreign forces if it would bring urgent solution.

ODDA stated that among those still being held by the kidnappers are school children, teachers, parents and other respected members of the community, adding that reports and videos emerging from captivity have painted a disturbing picture of fear, uncertainty and hardship.

The association noted that the entire Ogbomoso community remains deeply affected by the development, as families of the victims continue to endure anxiety, trauma and emotional distress.

According to the communiqué, reports indicating that a captive may have lost his life while others remain under serious threat have further heightened concerns over the safety of those still in captivity.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services, Operation Burst, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and other security personnel involved in rescue operations, ODDA stressed that time was running out for the victims.

“This is not merely a security operation. It is a race against time to save human lives,” the association stated.

ODDA therefore appealed to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to personally accord the matter the highest level of attention and urgency.

The association called for the deployment of all lawful intelligence, surveillance, technological and operational resources available to secure the safe release of the captives.

It also urged the Federal Government to explore international intelligence cooperation, technical partnerships and specialised counter-kidnapping support where necessary, in line with established diplomatic and security protocols.

“The protection of innocent lives must transcend bureaucracy. The situation before us is extraordinary and demands extraordinary commitment,” the communiqué added.

ODDA further called on elected representatives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security experts, civil society organisations and prominent sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to unite behind efforts aimed at securing the freedom of the victims.

Describing the situation as a human issue rather than a political one, the association stressed that no child should remain in captivity, no parent should continue to live in uncertainty and no family should be forced to contemplate another avoidable tragedy.

The association maintained that the people of Ogbomosoland have remained peaceful, resilient and law-abiding despite the growing concerns over insecurity, but warned that the prolonged suffering of innocent citizens continues to test public patience.

ODDA therefore called for sustained urgency, stronger coordination and visible commitment from all relevant authorities until every captive is safely reunited with their families.

The communiqué concluded with prayers for the abducted victims, their families and security personnel working toward their rescue.

“History will judge us not merely by our words but by the actions we take at moments such as this. We shall continue to pray, continue to support lawful efforts and continue to speak until our people return home safely,” the association stated.