The Elerepamo of Pamo, Oba Ayobami Ogunmakinde, has joined calls for urgent action against attacks and kidnappings affecting farmers and rural residents in parts of Oyo State and the wider South-West.
The monarch, who spoke in Ibadan on Sunday, said the worsening security situation was forcing farmers in his community and neighbouring areas to stay away from their farms.
His reaction followed concerns raised by the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, about insecurity, poor farm-gate prices and the destruction of farmlands by herders.
During its recent visits to Oke-Ogun and parts of Oyo and Ondo states, Afenifere said residents identified three major reasons for abandoning their farms.
Afenifere said, “First, one is fear of being kidnapped; second is the serious fall in prices that farmers could sell their proceeds as middlemen/middle-women (known as ‘Onibaranda’) are standing between them and direct purchasers, while the third reason is grazing on farmlands by unscrupulous herders that have not stopped despite several lamentations, warnings and steps taken.”
Speaking on the security situation, Ogunmakinde said the recent abduction of pupils and teachers had further increased fear among residents.
He said, “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. Look at what happened in Oriire recently. I had appealed before; I want to appeal again to the Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police to upgrade the only 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. I believe with the establishment of two Military Bases and another Divisional Police Office in Ogbomoso, the issue of kidnapping, banditry and others will reduce drastically,” he urged.
The monarch also called for improved security presence in the area, saying stronger security infrastructure would help restore confidence among farmers and residents.
The concerns come after more than 40 pupils and teachers were abducted during attacks on three schools in the area on May 15, 2025. They regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, following 56 days in captivity.