By John Ovie
Despite the creation of a regional security network, Amotekun, to combat crime in the region, all states in Western Nigeria (Ondo, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti) have continued to witness rising cases of security threats ranging from violent crime, particularly from herdsmen attacks and kidnapping. Christians’ worship centres are also not spared.
The west is now second to northern Nigeria in terms of insecurity, where hostilities have reached a crescendo, prompting farmers to abandon their farmlands and traditional rulers fleeing their domains for fear of attacks and deaths.
In the west, Ondo and Ekiti States are specifically noted for recent security incidents, while Lagos and surrounding states contend with urban violence and political tensions involving transport unions.
in recent times, Ekiti State has experienced a persistent, albeit fluctuating, series of attacks by armed men, bandits, and kidnappers.
While comprehensive, totalizing data for every single incident is hard to pin down due to the nature of these attacks, they are frequent and often target communities, travelers, and traditional rulers.
Just, yesterday, April 29, 2026: Gunmen visited terror on a church in Eda Oniyo community, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, during a crusade, killing a pastor and abducting worshippers.
On February 27, 2026, residents from six communities (Itapaji, Ijowa, Iyemero, Oke-Ako, Irele, and Ipao) in Ajoni Local Government Area raised alarms over a sustained invasion of their towns and farms by heavily armed men.
On January 24, 2026: Suspected gunmen stormed Erinmope-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area, abducting five women.
November 2025: High incidences of kidnapping for ransom were reported in the state, prompting the police to arrest 3,490 suspects for various crimes in the state by end-of-year 2025.
January 2024: Two traditional rulers (Oba David Ogunsakin and Oba Samuel Adeniyi) were murdered by kidnappers in the Oke-Ako area.
January 2024: Six students, three teachers, and a bus driver were kidnapped near Eporo-Ekiti.
Targeting of Rural Communities: Many attacks are concentrated in rural areas, such as the Ikole, Ilejemeje, and Moba local government areas.
Kidnapping for Ransom: This is a major security challenge, with bandits often kidnapping commuters on roads or targeting individuals in their homes.
Rising Insecurity in 2026: Recent reports indicate a rise in the number of people killed or abducted, with community members reporting that their farms and communities are being taken over.
The Ekiti State police command has intensified efforts, including “bush-combing” operations and partnering with Amotekun Corps to tackle the menace, but attacks have continued.
