Bandits abduct primary school teacher in Kwara

Fresh concerns have emerged over security in Kwara State following the abduction of a primary school teacher by suspected terrorists along the Obbo-Ile–Eruku Road in Ekiti Local Government Area.

The victim, identified as Shina Adeoye, was reportedly kidnapped on Thursday morning while travelling between Obbo-Ile and Eruku.

According to sources, Adeoye is a teacher at Cooperative Primary School, Eruku, and was on his way to his destination when the attackers allegedly intercepted him and whisked him away to an unknown location.

As of the time of filing this report, his whereabouts remained unknown, while efforts to secure his release were said to be ongoing.

A resident of Eruku, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, described the incident as another troubling sign of the growing insecurity around the Obbo-Ile–Eruku axis.

“We woke up to the shocking news that Mr Adeoye had been kidnapped on his way to Eruku. He is a teacher and a well-known member of the community. Everybody is worried because nobody knows where they have taken him,” the source said.

The community member lamented what he described as the near absence of security personnel on the route despite repeated complaints by residents.

“This road has become very dangerous. People travel with fear because there is hardly any visible security presence along the axis. We have raised concerns several times, but nothing seems to have changed,” the resident said.

The community member told said that residents were becoming increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups operating in the area.

“Those using the Obbo-Ile–Eruku Road are no longer safe. Criminals appear to be taking advantage of the security gaps on the road. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to act before the situation gets worse,” he said.

Another source added, “This is a teacher whose only crime was travelling to work. If teachers, farmers and ordinary residents can no longer move freely, then our communities are under serious threat.”