A young Yoruba man has sparked widespread reactions on social media after expressing disappointment over what he described as a lack of community action following a recent kidnapping incident in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In a video that has been circulating online, the man compared the response of residents in Oyo State to a recent kidnapping case in Abia State, where he claimed local youths and community members quickly mobilized themselves to assist in rescue efforts after victims were abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
According to the young man, the kidnappers in the Abia incident allegedly demanded a ransom of N10 million. Rather than relying solely on government intervention, he claimed that members of the community organized themselves, entered the bush, and joined the search efforts. He further stated that the victims were reportedly rescued within 24 hours.
Using the incident as a point of comparison, he criticized what he described as the passive attitude of some residents in Ogbomoso following the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in the area. According to him, many youths in the community have continued to wait for security agencies and government authorities to handle the situation instead of taking an active role in supporting rescue efforts.
Expressing his frustration, the man said he felt embarrassed by the situation and questioned the level of unity and cooperation among his people.
In his words:
“I’m really ashamed to call myself a Yoruba man. Yesterday, some Fulani herdsmen kidnapped people in Abia state and demanded a N10M ransom. Immediately, youths of the community mobilized, stormed the bush and assisted in the search efforts. The victims were rescued within 24Hrs. Did you hear about it on social media? Meanwhile, since the kidnapping of school children and teachers, the youths in Ogbomoso cannot even enter the bush. As a Yoruba man, I’m ashamed to be one.”
His comments have generated mixed reactions online. While some social media users agreed with his concerns and called for stronger community participation in tackling insecurity, others argued that civilians should not be expected to confront armed criminals without proper training or support from security agencies.
The statement has reignited conversations about community policing, local security initiatives, and the role citizens can play in assisting authorities during security emergencies. As insecurity continues to remain a major concern across different parts of Nigeria, many Nigerians believe that greater cooperation between communities and security agencies may be necessary to improve response efforts and protect lives.
Watch the video below: