Target terrorists, their supporters, and sponsors.

In the latest footage released by the Ansaru faction of Boko Haram, which kidnapped 46 Nigerians in two communities in Ogbomoso Local Government Area of Oyo State, nearly all of the victims were schoolchildren and their teachers. The video shows one of the attackers pointing the barrel of his weapon at Mrs. Racheal Alamu, the school principal who has become the main spokesperson for the abductees. The footage also contains photographs of children who are alleged to have been held at gunpoint in a forest; their bodies are badly bruised and their faces appear bloodied. Mrs. Mary Akanbi, a teacher, is the other person who has been compelled to speak on behalf of the abductees.

The two women’s primary message is to urge authorities in Oyo State and Abuja not to consider any rescue attempt and to expedite meeting the demands of the attackers. They warn that any attempt to storm the forest would endanger the captives. The footage shows the women, one of whom is carrying a one‑year‑old child, under the control of the attackers, who hold the power of life and death over them. The scene is described as heart‑rending.

It is unclear how the families of the abductees are coping, but the situation is likely among the worst moments of their lives. The footage also shows Mr. Alamu, the principal’s husband, pleading with the state governor, Seyi Makinde, to do everything possible to secure the return of the captives. Mr. Alamu, a professor and dean at Ladoke Akintola University, is shown in tears while being consoled by the governor. The incident highlights the perceived helplessness of federal and state authorities in responding to the crisis.

Abuja dispatched a delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to the affected communities two weeks after the abduction. The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, and Governor Makinde also visited the area. The response has been criticized as inadequate and has raised concerns about the government’s ability to address terrorism, particularly in Yorubaland, which has historically enjoyed relative peace compared to other regions of Nigeria.

Recent kidnapping incidents in Borno, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau have further underscored the perception that no part of Nigeria is safe. The article suggests that President Bola Tinubu’s political constraints have limited his ability to implement broader security reforms, such as establishing state police forces and promoting fiscal federalism, which would give governors greater control over security and finances.

The author calls on south‑west governors to adopt a regional approach to security, citing the late Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, who established the Amotekun security initiative in response to the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church. The initiative has been credited with improving security in Ondo, although its effectiveness has varied since Akeredolu’s death.

The article criticises political leaders who have failed to confront terrorism and who have allowed terrorist groups to use national parks and forested areas as bases for abductions. It argues that leaders must not accept ransom payments and must take decisive action against those who sponsor or support terrorist activities.

The post Take the war to terrorists, their sympathisers and sponsors, by Rotimi Fasan appeared first on Vanguard News.