Residents of Kisi in Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State have raised concerns over what they describe as persistent insecurity in their communities, alleging that repeated warnings to government authorities about suspected armed groups operating in nearby forests were not adequately addressed.
Several community members said the security situation had been deteriorating for months, with armed individuals allegedly moving freely around rural areas and using forest reserves as hideouts. According to them, multiple alerts were sent to local and state authorities as well as security agencies, but little action was taken until recent violent incidents occurred.
Residents claimed that youth leaders had previously visited local government officials and also travelled to the state capital, Ibadan, to report the presence of suspicious armed movements following earlier abductions in neighbouring areas. However, they said their concerns were not treated with urgency.
The situation escalated when armed attackers reportedly struck along the Kishi–Igbeti Road, a major route used for transportation and trade. During the attacks, one resident identified as Kayode was killed, while several others sustained injuries.
Community members said the attacks were not unexpected, insisting that they had long warned that criminal groups were operating within the area and attacking travellers before retreating into surrounding forests.
Some residents accused authorities of reacting only after incidents had already occurred, arguing that earlier intervention could have prevented the violence.
The attacks have reportedly heightened fear across surrounding communities, with many residents now avoiding travel during early morning and evening hours. Farmers, traders, and transport operators are also said to be increasingly affected, as insecurity continues to disrupt economic activities.
Residents described the situation as a gradual worsening security threat, claiming that rural communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to armed groups operating in forested areas.
They also referenced recent abductions in neighbouring local government areas, saying such incidents should have prompted stronger security responses and improved intelligence action.
Community members urged authorities to take immediate and sustained measures to address the insecurity, warning that continued inaction could lead to further loss of lives and greater instability in the region.
