Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that no Nigerian president can single-handedly resolve the country’s worsening security crisis, arguing that kidnapping has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise sustained by networks that extend beyond the perpetrators themselves.
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Fayose said the insecurity challenge, which began as isolated incidents years ago, has grown into a nationwide threat affecting communities across the country.
The former governor expressed sympathy for victims of kidnapping and their families, describing the situation as deeply troubling and a reflection of how entrenched insecurity has become in Nigeria.
According to him, tackling the menace requires a coordinated effort involving federal, state and local governments, security agencies, communities, and citizens.
“This problem started quietly many years ago and has now taken over the fabric of our society. It has become a big business and, regrettably, a way of life for some people,” Fayose said.
He noted that successive administrations have struggled to contain the threat, adding that the crisis has become more complicated due to social, ethnic and political factors.
Fayose maintained that criminal activities such as kidnapping are often sustained by financiers, collaborators and informants who operate within communities and benefit from the illegal enterprise.
“The society the president is trying to protect is also part of the problem. You cannot win a battle when some elements within society are aiding criminality,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience as governor, Fayose recalled measures introduced during his administration to combat insecurity, including anti-open grazing laws and the prosecution of criminal suspects.
He stressed that strict enforcement of laws and the willingness to punish offenders irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations remain critical to addressing insecurity.
The former governor also defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of national affairs, noting that the administration inherited significant economic and security challenges. While acknowledging the hardship faced by many Nigerians, he said the president has shown commitment to implementing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.
Fayose further criticised the tendency of some state governments to place the burden of security solely on the federal government, insisting that states must effectively utilise local intelligence networks and existing security structures.
During the interview, he also suggested that certain security incidents could sometimes be exploited for political purposes. Referring to a recent abduction case in Oyo State, he speculated that such events might occasionally be used to embarrass the federal government. However, when challenged by the programme anchor, Fayose clarified that the remark reflected his personal opinion and not a definitive claim.
Despite the controversy, he urged authorities to thoroughly investigate all security incidents and called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at combating crime.
According to him, insecurity will remain a major national challenge unless society collectively rejects criminality and actively supports law enforcement agencies.
Oyo Protest Erupts Over Abducted Pupils and Teachers
Meanwhile, tension rose in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as members of the Take-It-Back Movement staged a protest over the worsening security situation in the state and the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The demonstration came less than 24 hours after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, directed public primary and secondary school teachers to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of their colleagues and pupils.
Protesters gathered at the busy Mokola Roundabout carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs while demanding urgent intervention from government and security agencies.
Messages displayed on the placards included: “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” and “Protect farmers, traders and students.”
One of the protesters, identified simply as Moshood, said residents had become increasingly frustrated by persistent insecurity across the country.
“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” he said.
The protest followed widespread outrage over the abduction of pupils, students and teachers after armed men reportedly attacked schools and neighbouring communities in the Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident has generated fear among residents, parents and education stakeholders, while families of the victims continue to appeal to authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
In a statement signed by Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan A. Fatai, and Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode, the union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers to withdraw their services indefinitely from June 1, 2026.
The union said the decision was prompted by the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils, as well as growing concerns over the safety of teachers and students across the state.
According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the victims has heightened anxiety among teachers, discouraged school attendance and increased tension in affected communities.
The union added that the strike action is intended to draw urgent attention to the need for intensified efforts by government and security agencies to secure the immediate release of the abductees.
