Plea for Military Base in Ogbomoso Amidst Rising Insecurity
A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Ayoade Adeseun, has urgently called upon the Federal Government to establish a military base in Ogbomoso. Adeseun, a former member of the National Assembly representing the Oyo Central Senatorial District, cited escalating insecurity and the region’s strategic significance as key reasons for this pressing demand.
Speaking during an interview, Adeseun underscored what he described as a significant security deficit in Ogbomoso due to the long-standing absence of a military formation. He argued that this oversight should have been rectified much earlier, given the area’s history and its current vulnerability.
Recent events have amplified these concerns, highlighting the precarious security situation in parts of the South-West. In a stark illustration of the growing threats, suspected bandits launched an attack on the Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, within the Oriire Local Government Area. This raid, which occurred on the night of January 6, 2026, tragically resulted in the deaths of five National Park Service officers.
Further compounding the grim picture, reports indicate that four farmers were killed in Igboho, located in the Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. The fear and anxiety have also spread to neighbouring states, with the abduction of a nursing mother and her child in Supare/Ajegunle, Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State, sending ripples of unease through several South-West communities.
Adeseun emphasized Ogbomoso’s rich legacy of producing distinguished military personnel, suggesting that this historical connection should naturally warrant the establishment of a military presence. He noted the significant contributions of individuals from the region to various branches of the armed forces, including the Air Force, Navy, and Army.
“We remember Brig Gen Benjamin Adekunle of blessed memory. We remember Col Adeniyan, who passed on not long ago. We remember Ibrahim Taiwo,” Adeseun stated, referencing notable military figures from Ogbomoso. He added that the town continues to have a strong representation within the Armed Forces, making the absence of a dedicated military base even more concerning.
“Even now, we have an array of our boys at various levels in the Armed Forces. For us not to have a military establishment of some sort, even if we don’t have a full battalion, is worrisome,” he articulated.
The former legislator expressed apprehension over the current reliance on security forces stationed in distant locations like Ibadan or the battalion in Saki, Oke-Ogun. He warned that during emergencies, such distances could lead to critical and dangerous delays.
“Ibadan is not too far from us, but if something happens along this axis, Oke-Ogun has a battalion in Saki. Between Saki and here is about a three-hour drive. If something happens here, before anybody comes from Saki or Ibadan, all hell would have broken loose,” Adeseun cautioned.
Consequently, he made a direct appeal for the immediate establishment of at least a military outpost equipped with combat capabilities. “So it is important that we have some kind of military outpost. Even if it is not a full base, we need a combat presence here,” he insisted.
Adeseun also pointed out that the nearest military formation is an educational command in Ilorin, Kwara State. However, he clarified that this facility does not possess combat responsibilities, underscoring the need for a unit with a direct security mandate. “There is an educational command around in Ilorin, but they are educational, not combatant. We need a combat formation,” he stressed.
Further exacerbating these security concerns, Adeseun highlighted Ogbomoso’s proximity to international borders. This geographical position, he explained, raises the risk of irregular migration and the potential for unforeseen security challenges. “We are very close to the border. People migrate across, and there is no telling where they will show up tomorrow. So we need to be prepared,” he urged.
As a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate preparedness, Adeseun referenced the recent killings in Ikoyi-Ile, Oloka village. He noted that while troops were eventually deployed to the area, such responses were reactive, occurring only after lives had been lost. “They killed many people at Ikoyi-Ile in Oloka village. Many lives were lost. They are now sending troops there, but that is after the fact,” he lamented.
Adeseun concluded his appeal by emphasizing that suitable land is readily available to accommodate a military facility, urging the Federal Government to act swiftly and deploy a military unit to the Ogbomoso area. This proactive measure, he believes, is essential to safeguard the lives and property of residents and to bolster regional security.
