Bandits Moving To Oyo State From Northwest – Gov Makinde Raises Alarm

Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, has raised alarm over the influx of bandits to the Southwest, describing the development as horrifying, worrisome and unfortunate.

The Governor said that he received intelligence that some bandits were not far from where he marked his last birthday but, vowed that his administration would do everything possible to keep the State safe.

Makinde, who stated these at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for Oyo workers in Agodi area of Ibadan, noted that the gunmen were feeling the heat of military operation in the North West, thus, their plans to escape to Oyo.

The Governor said: “The year 2024 was challenging, particularly in terms of safety and security. We had incidents of fire outbreaks, armed robberies, and kidnappings. “However, in 2025, we will redouble our efforts to address these issues. During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.

“But we will find and deal with them. During my birthday retreat, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation,” he stressed.

Makinde therefore implored residents and traditional rulers to report any suspicious movements, emphasising that bandits will have no foothold in Oyo State, assuring that he would not sleep until every inch of this state is safe

“To our traditional rulers, who are custodians of your domains, and to all residents, this is no joke. If you see suspicious movements, report them immediately,” he appealed.