…as resident claims to pay ransom to kidnappers
…farmers abandon farmlands over fear of kidnappings
By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
Residents of Kajola-Ise in Ise Ekiti, Ekiti State, are living in fear following persistent attacks by unidentified gunmen who have laid siege to the community, causing panic and uncertainty.
A visit to the community by Nigerian NewsDirect correspondent on Wednesday confirmed the rising tension, as community leaders were seen dispersing from a meeting held at the community’s head house as early as 5:00 a.m.
One of the residents, who identified himself simply as Mr. Olayemi, recounted a harrowing escape from suspected kidnappers on April 11, 2025, while returning from his cocoa farm.
“I was already driving out of the farm when, from nowhere, these people came out and started shooting at my car. I didn’t know how I managed to drive off, but by the time I got to a safe distance, my vehicle was riddled with bullets. How I escaped with my life is still a mystery to me,” he said.
However, another victim, identified as Olatunbo, was not as fortunate. He was severely attacked by the assailants and left for dead. He was later rescued and taken to Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, where his brother, Sola, confirmed he remains in critical condition.
A community leader, Mr. Bamgboye Sesan, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, saying the attacks have become more frequent and violent.
“At first, it was just kidnapping. At least four people have been abducted recently with ransom paid. But now, the criminals are more emboldened and are attacking people randomly,” he said.
Mr. Sesan added that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands out of fear, with some narrowly escaping abduction just two days prior.
Another resident, who spoke under anonymity, alleged that suspected Fulani bandits have been behind the wave of attacks. He also criticized the local security outfit, Amotekun, for being poorly equipped to confront the threat.
“The bandits have been terrorising us for a while now, and Amotekun doesn’t seem prepared for them. People are living in fear daily,” the resident said.
Several other residents also blamed the deteriorating road network linking Ise, Kajola, and Ijan Ekiti as a major factor contributing to the rising insecurity. The roads, described as narrow and overgrown with thick vegetation, have become easy routes for ambushes.
“The road is terrible. It’s so bad that even emergency response is almost impossible. The bushes on both sides give the attackers cover. Security here is porous,” a woman who declined to give her name lamented.
Despite repeated pleas to the state government and security agencies, residents say no concrete action has been taken, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu, said the Ise Divisional Police Headquarters had been notified and that efforts were underway to restore peace and protect lives and property in the affected community.
