Local hunters from the Ogbomoso geopolitical zone of Oyo State have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider what they described as their exclusion from the state government’s proposed security outfit, warning that sidelining them could undermine efforts to address rising insecurity in the area.
The hunters said excluding indigenous security actors who understand the terrain and local dynamics would not help the fight against crime, particularly as the zone has recently experienced cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Ogbomoso geopolitical zone comprises five local government areas and has been under security pressure in recent days.
TRUTH LIVE NEWS reports that at least five forest rangers were recently killed at Old Oyo National Park, located in Oloka village, further heightening concerns about safety in the region.
The Oyo State Government is finalising plans to establish a new security outfit as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.
However, local hunters from the five councils in the Ogbomoso axis have expressed dissatisfaction over what they claimed was their non-inclusion in the arrangement.
Speaking on Thursday, the Oluode of Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Chief Adebayo Amos Abiade, criticised the process, saying hunters in the area were not consulted before nominations were made into the proposed outfit.
According to him, local hunters possess the experience and grassroots knowledge required to confront criminal elements operating within their communities.
“In four local government areas in Ogbomoso zone — Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere and Ogo-Oluwa — we were not carried along before nominations were concluded, implying we are not represented whereas we are the best suited for the job,” Abiade said.
Also speaking, the Oluode Soun of Ogbomosoland, Chief Ayobami Akintola, who is the head of all local hunters in the zone, described the exclusion as unfortunate.
Akintola said indigenous hunters have a better understanding of the local environment and security challenges.
“It is difficult to understand why people who have dedicated their lives to protecting their communities were ignored. We are excluded, and we want to formally express our displeasure,” he said.
