IBADAN, Nigeria – Protesters disrupted a town hall meeting on insecurity in Oyo State on Thursday, demanding urgent government action to address rising cases of kidnapping, violent attacks and other security threats affecting communities across the state.
The event, organized by News Central Television in Ibadan, brought together government officials, security stakeholders, traditional leaders, victims of insecurity and residents to discuss the growing security challenges facing the state.
Tensions escalated during the meeting as demonstrators interrupted proceedings, expressing frustration over what they described as inadequate responses to persistent insecurity in several communities. Many of the protesters said they had been directly affected by criminal activities and called for immediate and practical measures to improve safety.
The disruption reflected growing public anxiety over the security situation and intensified calls for authorities to strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.
Order was later restored by News Central Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Kayode Akintemi, who urged citizens to remain united in confronting the security crisis.
“It is only those who do not care about their lives, their children and the ones yet to be born who will vote during the election for those who do not care about their lives,” Akintemi told participants.
He also expressed concern about what he described as the level of support available to criminal groups involved in kidnappings, saying the issue should concern all citizens.
Responding to concerns raised during the engagement, Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Akomo, said the government was committed to engaging citizens and being held accountable.
“The matter is important to us; that is why I am here. I have a choice not to come here today. Citizens should demand accountability; it is part of their right,” Akomo said.
The town hall featured emotional testimonies from victims of insecurity, including Mrs. Taiye Ayodele, whose account highlighted the human cost of the crisis.
Ayodele recounted how she and her son escaped from kidnappers while her daughter remained in captivity for two months before eventually regaining her freedom. She also disclosed that she was later abducted again by bandits in a separate incident.
Her testimony drew strong reactions from attendees and reinforced calls for more effective security operations, improved intelligence gathering and greater protection for vulnerable communities.
Despite the interruption, discussions continued as participants agreed that insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting Oyo State.
Stakeholders called for stronger collaboration among government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to address the root causes of violence and criminality.
Speaking on behalf of the Soun of Ogbomoso, High Chief Kasali Yusuf said communities in affected areas required greater support from all levels of government.
“Orire is the second-largest local government in Nigeria by land area and population, and we don’t have enough resources to cover it all. Our primary goal for the government is to collaborate at the local, state and federal levels to help release these children and foster a safer community,” he said.
The meeting underscored growing public demands for accountability, responsiveness and tangible action from authorities responsible for safeguarding lives and property. It also highlighted the importance of providing platforms where affected communities can directly engage decision-makers and contribute to discussions on addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
News Central said it would continue to facilitate such engagements as part of broader efforts to amplify citizens’ voices and promote solutions to insecurity across the country.
