Why Nigerians Must Speak Up: Oyo CP Warns Silence Fuels Kidnapping, Insecurity

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, has urged Nigerians to become more security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities in their communities, warning that silence by residents often enables kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements to operate unchecked.

Olugbenga made the appeal while leading journalists to a residential building in Araromi Quarters, Ayegun North, Oluyole Local Government Area, where kidnappers reportedly kept Busayo John-Paul, the younger sister of Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons before they were rescued by police operatives.

The police commissioner said investigations revealed that the suspects had repeatedly used the property as a hideout, bringing abducted victims to the location without attracting reports from residents in the area.

According to him, the failure of community members to alert security agencies allowed the criminals to continue their activities undetected.

“They have been bringing the abductees here. They bring them here, and people see them. Some even greet them and say ‘welcome’. When people see such things and don’t speak up, what do you expect us to do?” Olugbenga said.

And warned, “If suspicious activities like this had been reported, none of this would have happened. We would have taken the necessary steps in good time.”

The commissioner stressed that security agencies cannot single-handedly win the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime without the cooperation of citizens, noting that timely information from residents often provides the breakthrough needed to prevent attacks and arrest suspects.

His remarks underscore the growing call for stronger community participation in security efforts, as authorities continue to battle criminal networks across the country.

Olugbenga urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and discreetly report unusual movements, suspicious gatherings and other activities that could threaten public safety, insisting that security is a shared responsibility between law enforcement agencies and the public.

“The truth is that we need information from members of the public. When people see something unusual, they should say something. That is how crimes are prevented before they happen,” he said.