A Yoruba group, Yeye Dara Omoluabi Family, on Sunday urged Yoruba communities to align with the call made by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, advocating for self-defense in the face of Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the group’s President, Yeye Victoria Omodara, commended the DSS Director for his candid acknowledgment that Nigeria’s security agencies are overwhelmed by the scale of the current security challenges. She urged the Yoruba people to draw upon the spiritual strength of their ancestors in defending their land.
The speech, titled “Response to DSS Director’s Call for Self-Defense Amidst Rising Insecurity”, was delivered on Yeye Omodara’s behalf by Comrade Omosebi Kolawole.
The event was attended by leaders of various Yoruba groups from across the Southwest, including Dr. Tunde Hamzat, who represented Professor Banji Akintoye.
In her address, Yeye Omodara called for urgent action to safeguard Yoruba lives and property, advocating the use of indigenous methods passed down by their forefathers.
“I urge all Yoruba people to heed this clarion call by organizing community defense initiatives to reclaim our forests, farmlands, and neighborhoods from marauding terrorists and kidnappers,” she said. “The persistent attacks on farmers and rural communities have disrupted food production across Yorubaland, contributing to scarcity and economic hardship. It is imperative that we take ownership of our security.”
She decried the increasing spate of terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other criminal activities nationwide, stressing that the DSS Director’s call for self-defense offers a practical solution to the lingering insecurity.
“I, Victoria Omodara, President of Yeye Dara Omoluabi Family, fully endorse the candid remarks by DSS Director General Mr. Adeola Ajayi, who acknowledged that Nigeria’s security agencies are overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of threats posed by terrorists, bandits, armed robbers, and kidnappers,” she declared. “His call for proactive citizen defense is a sober recognition of the harsh reality we face.”
She further noted that other national figures, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and elder statesman General TY Danjuma (rtd.), have similarly emphasized the need for citizens to complement the efforts of security agencies by organizing community-based security structures.
Yeye Omodara announced that the Yeye Dara International Farm is mobilizing its members to adopt self-defense strategies in line with the DSS Director’s advice.
“We see this approach as a necessary complement to the efforts of security agencies. By fostering community vigilance and preparedness, we can create safer environments where agricultural and economic activities can thrive uninterrupted,” she said.
Highlighting the complex and volatile security landscape, she warned that insurgent groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the emerging Lakurawa group continue to threaten peace across Nigeria.
“Banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have escalated beyond the capacity of police and military forces in many areas. As noted by TY Danjuma and other security chiefs, the fight against insecurity requires not only stronger military operations but also active citizen participation and innovative community-based solutions,” Yeye Omodara concluded.
