The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has raised fresh concerns over the growing rate of kidnapping and violent crimes across Nigeria, describing the situation as alarming and dangerous for citizens.
The monarch called on the Federal Government, state governments, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to take urgent steps to tackle insecurity and restore confidence among Nigerians.
The Olubadan made the remarks on Monday during the installation of Mogajis and Baales at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo area of Ibadan.
The event attracted members of the Olubadan-in-Council, community leaders, traditional chiefs and other dignitaries from within and outside Oyo State.
No fewer than 14 Mogajis, who are recognised family heads in Ibadan traditional structure, and seven Baales from different villages were formally installed during the ceremony.
Speaking through the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, the Olubadan lamented the increasing cases of kidnapping, killings and other violent crimes in different parts of the country.
According to the monarch, many Nigerians now live in fear because of worsening insecurity and the growing activities of criminal groups.
“It is worrisome the alarming rate at which people are being kidnapped, terrorized, maimed and killed nowadays,” the traditional ruler said.
The monarch’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Solomon Ayoade.
The Olubadan stressed that insecurity has become a major national challenge that requires cooperation from all levels of government, traditional institutions and local communities.
He urged security agencies and political leaders to intensify efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
The monarch also appealed to the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde and local government authorities to begin proper profiling and monitoring of foreigners entering different parts of the state.
According to him, such measures would help authorities know who is entering and leaving communities at specific periods and improve security monitoring.
The call reflects growing concerns among community leaders over the movement of unknown persons into towns and villages without proper documentation or monitoring.
Across several parts of Nigeria, traditional rulers and community leaders have repeatedly urged governments to strengthen intelligence gathering at the grassroots level as insecurity continues to spread.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the major security threats facing the country in recent years.
Armed groups and criminal gangs have carried out attacks on highways, farms, schools and communities, especially in parts of the North-West, North-Central and South-South regions.
In some cases, victims are held for weeks while families negotiate ransom payments for their release.
Although security agencies have recorded successes in some operations against kidnappers and criminal gangs, fresh attacks continue to occur in different states.
Concerns over insecurity have also increased in the South-West region, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks have been reported along major roads and in rural communities.
Traditional rulers in the region have continued to call for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups to tackle the problem.
Observers say monarchs play important roles in community security because of their close
In many communities, traditional institutions serve as early warning channels for security threats and suspicious activities.
The Olubadan’s comments also come amid national debates over how to improve internal security and strengthen community policing across Nigeria.
Several stakeholders have argued that local intelligence and proper monitoring of people moving into communities could help security agencies identify criminal elements faster.
Others have called for improved coordination among federal, state and local authorities to address insecurity more effectively.
The installation ceremony itself reflected the importance of traditional leadership within the Ibadan chieftaincy system.
Mogajis and Baales occupy strategic positions in the traditional administration of Ibadanland and are expected to assist in community development, conflict resolution and maintenance of peace within their domains.
The Olubadan advised the newly installed chiefs to carry out their responsibilities with honesty, discipline and commitment to the wellbeing of their people.
He also urged them to support efforts aimed at improving peace and security within their communities.
Residents and guests at the event described the monarch’s remarks on insecurity as timely, noting that many Nigerians are increasingly worried about safety in different parts of the country.
Some attendees said traditional rulers must continue to speak out on national issues because of their influence and closeness to ordinary citizens.
Security has remained one of the biggest concerns facing Nigeria, with governments at different levels under pressure to address rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and communal violence.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to tackling insecurity and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Despite those assurances, many communities across the country continue to demand stronger action against criminal groups responsible for violent attacks.
The Olubadan’s latest warning adds to growing voices from traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups calling for urgent and practical measures to address the country’s security challenges before the situation worsens further.