A civic organization, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity and political tensions in Nigeria, particularly in Osun State, as the August 15, 2026 governorship election approaches. The group highlighted the worrying trend during its May 2026 State of the State address, delivered by its Executive Director, Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, at a press conference.
Oyedokun-Alli described the current security situation as alarming, pointing to the recent abduction of 46 schoolchildren in neighboring Oyo State as a clear sign of failing intelligence and inadequate territorial policing. He warned that such attacks on educational institutions threaten the nation’s future if not addressed urgently.
“The country’s security framework has deteriorated to a deeply concerning level,” he stated. He further noted that assaults on schools and farming communities are exacerbating concerns about food security and public safety across the nation.
“Survival in Nigeria has become an extreme challenge, but when schools become targets for bandits and terrorists, the future of our country is put at risk,” Oyedokun-Alli emphasized.
The group called on the Federal Government to swiftly deploy security forces to ensure the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren, cautioning against a repeat of the prolonged kidnappings witnessed in other regions. It also urged governors in the South-West, especially Osun State, to enhance inter-state collaboration, intelligence sharing, and border security to curb criminal activities.
“We call on the South-West state governments, particularly Osun, to actively work together, bolster border security, and strengthen intelligence cooperation,” Oyedokun-Alli added.
Regarding political developments, TOM expressed unease over rising political intolerance and incendiary rhetoric in the lead-up to the governorship election. The group noted an increase in cyberbullying, mutual accusations, character assassination, and threats among supporters of different political parties in the state.
Oyedokun-Alli cautioned politicians against turning democratic competition into violence, stressing that ordinary residents often bear the brunt of political unrest. “With the election less than three months away, we must remind our politicians that opposition politics should be a platform for competing ideas on development, not a battlefield for warfare,” he said.
The organization called on political parties to restrain their supporters and focus on issue-based campaigns. It also urged security agencies in Osun State to remain impartial and promptly address any attempts to incite electoral violence or disrupt public order.
