A major road in Osun State, the Ikire-Apomu-Ikoyi to Egbeda route, has become extremely dangerous. People are terrified to use it, especially commercial motorcycle riders. We have confirmed many reports of violent armed robberies on this road. These crimes have turned deadly, and communities are begging the government for help.
This is not just a few crimes. Security has broken down completely. People living near the road, drivers, and motorcycle riders all say the same thing: the area around Iyana Water, Coca-Cola, and Egbeda is now a place where criminals attack people freely. Their method is always violent. Armed men, often two on a motorcycle, follow their targets, attack suddenly, and are ready to kill.
The human suffering is clear from one survivor's story. We are keeping his name safe. He has been attacked on this road twice. The second time, he was almost killed.
"I was coming home from my farm," he said. "Suddenly, I saw a bike with two people following me. Without even saying anything, one of them just shot me in the head, in my jaw."
The sudden attack caused terrible injuries—his jawbone was shattered and he had many broken bones. He fell with his bike into the bushes by the road. The shooter showed no mercy. "The person who shot me took my bike and left me there, helpless," the victim said. He was left bleeding and seriously hurt. He was saved only by luck, not by a quick police response.
Our reporting shows this man's painful story is very common. There are countless similar reports, and most of these robberies end in murder. This road is now a place of great danger, where everyday travel is a risk to your life.
Motorcycle riders are the most at risk. They often carry the day's earnings, and their bikes are valuable, making them perfect targets. But private car users and businesspeople on the road have also been attacked.
The fear is affecting everyone in Ikire, Apomu, Ikoyi, and Egbeda. People are afraid to travel late, which hurts business. The community is living in constant fear. The farms along the road, which people rely on, are now places of danger. A road that should connect people to markets, schools, and hospitals is now known for ambushes.
This crisis shows that security in the area has failed. The police and other agencies are not gathering information well, not patrolling enough, and not responding quickly. The criminals are successful again and again, which means they know the area well and are not afraid of being caught. People feel abandoned and ask why there are not more police on a road with so much violence.
Therefore, we are calling for urgent action. We ask the Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, and all security agencies—the Nigeria Police, the DSS, and the Amotekun Corps—to take strong steps now to take back control of this road.
We demand that strong security posts are set up to work day and night, and that regular armed patrols begin along the entire dangerous stretch. We also ask the state government to support local community watch groups with resources and information. The people of Osun State have a basic right to travel safely on public roads. The current situation on the Ikire-Egbeda road takes away that right.
The story of the man shot in the jaw shows how strong people can be, but it must also be the final warning. It is wrong for people to be badly injured or to see their neighbors killed just for using a public road. The government must act now—not with words, but with clear, strong, and lasting action—to bring safety and peace back to the people in this area. Help is needed immediately.