The abduction of dozens of pupils, students and teachers from two schools in Oyo State has reignited conversations about insecurity in the South-West, with traditional rulers and custodians of Yoruba culture calling for the deployment of ancestral powers to confront terrorists operating in the region.
DDM reported that the incident occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men riding motorcycles stormed Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School and Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attackers killed a teacher and abducted 39 pupils and students, including toddlers, alongside seven teachers. Nearly a month later, the victims are reportedly still being held in captivity, despite efforts to secure their release. One pupil is also said to have died while in captivity.
The attack has triggered widespread outrage, protests and industrial actions by teachers, while raising fresh concerns about the growing insecurity across parts of the South-West.
Speaking during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, Adeyeye Ogunwusi described the abduction as painful and unacceptable.
The monarch urged traditional rulers across Yorubaland to unite and deploy ancestral resources to combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
According to him, traditional institutions must play a more active role in protecting communities while supporting government efforts to restore security.
However, his remarks sparked mixed reactions.
Some residents questioned the relevance of traditional powers in an era dominated by sophisticated weapons, arguing that if such powers were effective, terrorists would not have been operating from forests across Yorubaland for years.
But several monarchs and traditionalists defended the Ooni’s position, insisting that traditional security mechanisms remain potent and effective.
The Olojudo of Ido and former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, said indigenous spiritual systems had historically been used to defend communities from invaders and could still serve the same purpose today.
According to him, many people underestimate the power of traditional security measures because of the influence of foreign religions and modern beliefs.
“Our traditional methods are still effective for those who understand how to use them. It is not always about guns. There are people who have successfully confronted criminals despite their weapons,” he said.
Traditionalist Ogundeji Elebuibon also argued that protecting forests and communities does not necessarily require firearms.
He called on governors in the South-West to convene a regional security summit that would bring together traditional rulers, security experts and custodians of indigenous knowledge to explore alternative approaches to tackling insecurity.
According to him, traditional systems of protection were once widely used across Yoruba communities and could be revived with government support and proper coordination.
The Deji of Akureland, Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, echoed similar sentiments, saying traditional rulers were prepared to use every legitimate means available to protect their people.
Speaking through his media aide, the monarch said ancestral powers remain real and effective, though their deployment is not something that can be openly discussed in public.
He added that while traditional institutions are committed to confronting insecurity, such efforts must be approached carefully and in accordance with long-established customs and principles.
The debate comes as communities across the South-West continue to grapple with rising cases of kidnapping, attacks on farmers and the growing presence of armed groups in forested areas, with many residents demanding stronger action from both government and traditional authorities.
