The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Global Convener of Yoruba One Voice (YOV), Iba Gani Adams, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across Yorubaland, warning that banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes are assuming dangerous dimensions in the region.
Adams made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Yoruba One Voice International Virtual Conference titled “Changing Face of Insecurity in Yorubaland” held on Sunday.
Speaking before participants from across the world, the Yoruba leader described the May 15 abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a watershed moment in the history of insecurity in the South-West.
According to him, the coordinated attack marked the first mass school kidnapping by bandits in Yorubaland and signalled the spread of a security crisis previously associated with northern Nigeria into the South-West.
“The sad event marked the first time that mass kidnapping by bandits and terrorists occurred in Yorubaland in Southwest Nigeria. It took insecurity to another dimension in the region,” Adams said.
He noted that the affected communities are predominantly agrarian settlements with limited security presence, making them vulnerable to attacks by armed criminals.
The YOV Global Convener lamented what he described as the gradual infiltration of bandits into Yoruba-speaking areas of Kwara and Kogi states before spreading to other parts of the South-West.
He cited several incidents of kidnappings in Kogi and Kwara states, including the abduction of worshippers, traditional rulers and construction workers, saying many communities have been deserted as residents flee incessant attacks.
Adams accused authorities of ignoring repeated warnings he issued over the years concerning the growing threat posed by armed groups operating in forests and border communities across the region.
“I have repeatedly warned over the years of the gradual infiltration and looming overrun of our region by these bandits. Unfortunately, the warnings were ignored,” he said.
The Yoruba leader renewed his call for the establishment of state and local government police, arguing that Nigeria’s centralized policing structure has proven inadequate in addressing local security challenges.
“The current centralised policing structure has shown limitations in effectively addressing localised threats. It is now highly important that we establish State and Local Government Police forces in Nigeria,” he stated.
Adams said decentralized policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community trust and strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
He urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently initiate and pass legislation that would pave the way for the creation of state police across the federation.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo also called on governors in the South-West to deepen collaboration with grassroots security organizations under the Southwest Security Stakeholders’ Group (SSSG), which comprises about 14 security-related groups.
He said the coalition includes the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters Association and several other community-based security outfits.
According to him, closer cooperation between governments, security agencies and local security groups would help tackle the growing threat of banditry and terrorism in the region.
Adams concluded by urging Yoruba people to unite in confronting insecurity, stressing that the future of the region depends on collective action, effective policing and strong partnerships among stakeholders.
“Together, we can transform the changing face of insecurity into a future of peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.
