The Oyo State Government has voiced serious concerns regarding a disturbing trend of kidnappings in the region, questioning whether the state is facing an organized assault. This announcement follows the recent abduction of 18 students from Oyo State who were returning home from Sokoto State over the weekend.

Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, made the statement available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday. He highlighted that this incident marks the third kidnapping event in just four months, raising alarm about the safety of residents and students traveling beyond the state's borders.

Oyelade's remarks come in the wake of a particularly harrowing incident in May, where students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area were taken hostage and endured 56 days in captivity. This earlier incident prompted Governor Seyi Makinde to establish a Judicial Panel of Inquiry, which was led by Justice (Prof.) Mojeed. The panel submitted its report just last week, and Oyelade expressed concern that the timing of the recent kidnappings following this submission raises questions about potential connections.

"Are we being targeted? Are we under organized siege? Are these uncommon decoys to distract us? Is this a political attack targeting scholarship and conviction?" Oyelade questioned, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the anxiety felt by the community.

The commissioner emphasized that Oyo State citizens, as integral members of Nigeria, deserve transparency regarding those who threaten their freedom to pursue education and political engagement. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to support efforts aimed at enhancing security in the state.

The repeated incidents of kidnapping have sparked fears among parents and guardians, particularly concerning the safety of students who frequently travel for educational purposes. The government’s call for heightened awareness and protective measures is crucial as the state grapples with these unsettling developments.