Amid concerns about the influx of bandits and terrorists from the North into the Southwest, Yoruba leader and Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, along with key security groups, have criticized Southwest governors for failing to collaborate on strengthening regional security.
Adams, speaking through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, expressed frustration over the governors’ lack of response to repeated calls for partnership to curb insecurity. “Yorubaland will be too hot for terrorists and ISWAP members. Our security groups, including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), are ready to flush out these criminals,” he said.
Security Groups Call for Collaboration
The OPC Deputy Coordinator in Ogun State, Alao Olusola, revealed that letters sent to governors and traditional rulers seeking approval to support security efforts have gone unanswered. “We are ready to flush out all criminal elements if the governments in the region give us the go-ahead,” Olusola said.
Similarly, the Coordinator of OPC in Osun State, Mr. Adeyemi Aboderin, stated that while they have been instructed by Gani Adams to remain vigilant, the state government is yet to engage them for collaboration. “We have 36,000 members spread across the 30 local government areas of the state, ready to contribute to ensuring safety,” Aboderin noted.
Amotekun Steps Up Efforts
Meanwhile, the Southwest Security Network, known as Amotekun, has intensified its operations, with the Ondo State Command arresting 21 suspects involved in various crimes, including kidnapping and violations of anti-open grazing laws.
Adetunji Adeleye, Chairman of the South West Amotekun Commanders, emphasized their readiness to protect the region. “The Southwest is not a safe haven for criminals. We are on top of the situation and determined to flush out those who have infiltrated our region,” he stated.
Adeleye disclosed that Amotekun foiled 15 kidnapping attempts within a month and assured residents that security breaches at the borders have reduced due to heightened vigilance.
Governors Urged to Take Action
While some governors, such as Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, have supported security groups with operational tools, stakeholders like the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) believe more collaboration is needed.
“The governors cannot tackle this menace alone. We are closer to the grassroots and can play a critical role in securing our forests and border towns,” said NFSS Media Officer Bayo Adediran.
Conclusion
With rising threats in the Southwest, stakeholders have urged governors to engage regional security groups proactively to safeguard lives and property. The call for collaboration underscores the urgent need for a unified approach to counter the infiltration of bandits and terrorists in the region.
