VENO International :: news powered by truth

VENO tv: OPINION ISUA AKOKO: Bandits’ Invasion — Too Many, Too Frequent By Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo
Date: 20-12-25

Again, Isua Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko South-East Local Government in Ondo State, Nigeria, has witnessed yet another deadly invasion by bandits. The attack, which occurred yesterday, left several residents dead while many others scampered for safety.
This is not the first time these unscrupulous elements have invaded the town. Sadly, the frequency and brazenness of these attacks point to a dangerous pattern that can no longer be ignored.
Historically, Isua Akoko is a culturally rich community with ancestral roots blending Yoruba and Benin traditional values. Its people are known for strong communal ties, heritage, and peaceful coexistence. That such a town has now become vulnerable to violent criminal gangs is deeply troubling.
Bandits in Nigeria are heavily armed criminal groups, predominantly known for kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and brutal attacks on villages—often operating on motorcycles. Though they lack a clear political ideology, their operations have become increasingly coordinated, daring, and expansive.
Disturbingly, these gangs are gradually moving their arsenal across different parts of the country. Some even announce their targets on social media without fear of interception. A minister in the current administration once admitted publicly that tracking these criminals in their hideouts has become nearly impossible due to the sophisticated devices they deploy.
Only recently, a serving army General was ambushed and killed. What a tragedy for a nation to lose a senior military officer to miscreants. Schools in parts of northern Nigeria have been invaded; while some abducted victims were released, many are still held in captivity. Churches have also not been spared—most recently in Eruku town in Kwara State and surrounding communities.
It is high time culturally rooted communities across Nigeria rose collectively to resist these monsters ravaging the nation. During this yuletide season, countless Nigerians could not travel home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Fear of bandits has sadly become “the beginning of wisdom.”
Meanwhile, rather than decisively confronting these security threats, the government appears more focused on tax reforms aimed at revenue generation. In Abuja, generator users have reportedly been marked for taxation from 2026.
I strongly urge Mr. President to tackle this insurgency without further delay. Failure to do so may stall national development and even undermine his second-term agenda. The popular mantra of “On Your Mandate” risks turning into a mandate collapse.
A word is enough for the wise.

By Bishop Dr.Sanya Ojo, a journalist cum servant of God.

LINKS

Phone

Email