The Defence Headquarters has described the recent attacks on schools in Oyo State as isolated criminal acts rather than signs of an entrenched terrorist network in the South-West. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Tuesday while reacting to attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attacks reportedly left two persons dead, while at least 45 pupils, a school principal and several teachers were abducted. One of the kidnapped teachers was later killed while in captivity.
Onoja said previous military clearance operations carried out in the Old Oyo National Park had weakened criminal elements operating within the area. He added that available intelligence did not indicate the existence of any permanent terrorist enclave in the forests or remote areas of the South-West.
Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, said Yoruba groups were prepared to mobilise millions of fighters to combat banditry and insecurity across the region if officially invited by government authorities.
Adams said the Yoruba people would not succumb to intimidation amid the growing security challenges, stressing that his network possessed the structure and experience needed to support efforts against criminal activities.
He described the current wave of insecurity as a form of guerrilla warfare, noting that bandits and kidnappers now launch attacks unpredictably in communities, markets and along highways instead of operating only at night.
According to him, about 14 affiliated groups under his influence, with operational structures spread across Yorubaland, were ready to assist security agencies. He, however, said repeated attempts to secure collaboration with South-West governors and federal authorities had yet to receive formal approval.
Adams further recalled that past cooperation between OPC members and security agencies contributed to reducing cult-related violence, kidnappings and other crimes in parts of Lagos and neighbouring states, although such partnerships later diminished due to disagreements with security institutions.
He maintained that any renewed involvement in security operations would require proper coordination and official authorisation from relevant authorities.