Traditional rulers in Ogbomosoland have called on the Federal Government to establish a military base in Oriire Local Government Area following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers by gunmen in Oyo State.
Reports gathered by Drivetvnews indicates that the appeal was made during a meeting of monarchs from the five local government areas in Ogbomosoland, including the Alapa of Apa, Oba Akin Akintola, alongside other traditional rulers and members of the Soun-in-Council.
Speaking at the meeting, Oba Akintola said insecurity around forest communities in Ogbomoso and neighbouring areas had become alarming, stressing that military intervention was urgently needed to protect residents.
According to him, the proposed military base should be located close to the forest reserve in Oriire LGA to enable soldiers respond quickly to attacks and secure vulnerable communities.
The monarch argued that although the police had been making efforts, the growing sophistication of attacks by armed groups now required military operations rather than ordinary policing.
He warned that banditry, once largely associated with northern Nigeria, had spread into the South-West, creating fear among residents and disrupting farming activities.
The traditional rulers also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to approve the military formation without delay.
They lamented that many farmers were now afraid to visit their farms due to fear of attacks and kidnappings.
The call followed coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area last Friday, during which gunmen abducted several pupils and teachers after invading the communities and firing shots.
