Now that kidnapping has become an industry…, by Adekunle Adekoya

June 5, 2026

UNFORTUNATELY, the working week ending today was dominated by tales of anguish and woes, arising from endless kidnappings and killings. While the nation was still dealing with the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, and Askira Uba in Borno State, gunmen attacked Ogbomoso again, this time, the offices of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, and took away the firearms they saw with officers on duty. Time was about 10pm Tuesday night.

As if to really dare the STATE, the terrorists have refuased to negotiate with families of the victims, insisting on speaking only with state officials. On Wednesday, news filtered in that the terrorists are demanding a ¦ 1 billion ransom to be paid into an account in Benin Republic, the release of detained accomplices, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, weapons, and legal concessions favouring their extremist operations. In the interim, the Oyo State House of Assembly and Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration have rejected any form of negotiation with the terrorists, demanding an uncompromised military and police rescue operation. A federal delegation comprising the Chief of Staff, the National Security Adviser, and the Minister of Defence has visited the state to coordinate rescue operations.