The growing wave of insecurity in the South-West has taken a new dimension as traditional religion practitioners under the umbrella of the Isese Welfare Association, IWA, have called on governors in the region to integrate indigenous security systems into efforts aimed at tackling kidnappings, killings and school abductions.
The group said conventional security methods alone have failed to stop the rising attacks across Yorubaland and urged political leaders and security agencies to work with traditional institutions and practitioners to protect communities.
The call followed the recent abduction of scores of teachers and students during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. The attack reportedly occurred around 9:30 a.m. last Friday and has since created fear across the state.
In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the National Coordinator of IWA, Aderemi Ifaolepin Aderemi, also known as Olúwo Ifáòleèpin, condemned the attacks and described them as a direct assault on Yorubaland, its culture and the value placed on human life by Yoruba ancestors.
The association, popularly known as Isese Assembly, said the repeated attacks in Oyo and other South-West states showed that insecurity was no longer isolated incidents but a dangerous trend threatening the peace and survival of the Yoruba people.
The group said the silence and slow response to the attacks were becoming unacceptable.
According to the statement, “What we are witnessing is a dangerous new pattern that threatens the peace, unity, and survival of the Yoruba nation. The silence and inaction in the face of this menace is no longer acceptable.”
The association acknowledged the efforts of security agencies but insisted that the current approach had not produced the needed results.
“We acknowledge the efforts of security agencies, but it is clear that conventional approaches alone have not stemmed the tide. At this critical moment, Yorubaland must look inward and mobilize every resource at its disposal to defend its people,” the group stated.
The traditionalists called on governors in the South-West and all security authorities to formally recognise and integrate traditional indigenous security protections and intelligence systems rooted in Ifa traditions.
According to the group, Yoruba ancestors successfully maintained peace and protected communities for centuries through spiritual vigilance, local intelligence gathering and organised communal defence structures.
The association argued that such systems could complement modern policing if properly guided and regulated.
“Our ancestors maintained peace and security in Yorubaland for centuries through a combination of spiritual vigilance, communal intelligence, and organised defense. These systems, when properly guided and regulated, complement modern policing and can help identify, deter, and neutralize threats before they escalate,” the statement added.
The group also called for stronger cooperation among traditional rulers, governors, political leaders, community leaders and security agencies.
It urged stakeholders to put aside political differences and personal interests in order to protect lives and property.
“The time for division and silence is over. We urge traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders, and security stakeholders to set aside differences and work in genuine cooperation. The safety of our people must supersede politics and personal interests,” the association said.
The organisation further demanded that schools, farms and sacred groves across Yorubaland should be declared protected zones because of increasing attacks on rural communities and educational institutions.
The association also asked authorities to increase visible security presence in vulnerable communities and establish stronger community-based vigilance systems.
The recent attacks in Oriire Local Government Area have once again raised serious concerns about insecurity in schools across Nigeria.
For years, states in northern Nigeria such as Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger and Katsina witnessed repeated attacks on schools by armed groups who abducted students and teachers for ransom.
Although the South-West had recorded fewer school abductions compared to the North, security experts have repeatedly warned that criminal groups are gradually expanding their activities into other regions.
Residents in parts of Oyo State have expressed fear over the latest incident, especially because the attack happened during school hours.
Some parents in nearby communities were reported to have temporarily withdrawn their children from schools due to concerns over safety.
Community leaders and education stakeholders have also warned that the growing insecurity could worsen the already serious challenges facing education in rural communities.
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier confirmed that the abducted teachers and students had not yet been rescued despite ongoing security operations.
Police authorities also warned against the spread of false information and rumours regarding the rescue efforts.
The latest statement by the Isese Welfare Association reflects increasing frustration among many residents over the security situation in the region.
In recent years, there have been growing calls in the South-West for local and community-based security arrangements to complement federal security agencies.
One of such efforts was the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, by governors in the region to help tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on farmers.
However, despite the presence of Amotekun and other local vigilante groups, many communities still complain about attacks by criminal gangs operating in forests and remote areas.
The traditionalists insisted that Yorubaland must not surrender to fear or criminal violence.
“Yorubaland is not a land of cowards. Our history is one of courage, wisdom, and resilience. We cannot afford to hand over our land and our future to criminals and merchants of violence,” the association declared.
The group said it remained committed to promoting peace, justice and the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditional values.
It also called for wisdom and unity among leaders as communities continue to struggle with the growing security challenges facing the region.
As security agencies continue rescue operations in Oriire and other troubled areas, many residents are hoping that both modern and community-based approaches will help bring lasting peace to the South-West