In the wake of mounting fears over the growing presence of bandits and terrorist groups in the South West, regional leaders, including Gani Adams, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), have accused South West governors of neglecting vital security collaborations. Their criticism comes after reports surfaced that fleeing bandits from the North Central were migrating southward, bringing violence and chaos with them.
The situation has raised grave concerns about the security of the region, and Adams, in a recent statement, has been vocal about the apparent indifference of state governments to the security situation. Despite multiple requests for cooperation, Adams says that the leadership of the South West has remained largely unresponsive.
Governors’ Inaction Under Fire
Speaking through his media assistant, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams made it clear that the security apparatus in Yorubaland is not getting the necessary support from state governments to fully tackle the crisis. “Yorubaland will be too hot for bandits and terrorists,” Adams declared. “We will not allow these criminals to turn our region into another battlefront.”
The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland expressed his frustration, revealing that his requests to collaborate with the South West governors on securing the region had been met with silence. “I’ve reached out to the governors multiple times to partner with our state security structures to flush out these terrorists,” Adams continued, “but there has been no response from any of them.”
In his strong stance against inaction, Adams also pointed out that his group, along with the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), was ready to lead the fight against the growing threat. “There are over ten private security groups under my leadership, and they are prepared to take action,” he added. “Our resolve is firm: we will not rest until there is peace in our land.”
OPC and Hunters Ready for Action
The OPC, a major force in security efforts within the South West, has also voiced concerns about the lack of official support from the regional leadership. The group has long been active in regional security, working alongside police forces in various states to curb rising criminal activities. However, according to Alao Olusola, the Deputy Coordinator of OPC in Ogun State, their hands are tied without the necessary endorsement from governors.
“We have written letters to all the governors of the South West, seeking permission and backing to combat this insecurity,” Olusola said. “But we have yet to receive any response. It’s frustrating, to say the least.”
The OPC has made it clear that their involvement in security efforts in the South West cannot continue effectively without the necessary legal backing from the state governments. Yet, despite this setback, they have continued to collaborate with local police to tackle insecurity within their areas. “While we await government approval, we are doing what we can with the support of the police,” Olusola stated.
The hunters, another key group involved in regional security efforts, have also expressed a willingness to act. Their cooperation with local communities and law enforcement has been critical in managing the rising threat of banditry. Yet, like the OPC, they too are seeking official collaboration with the state governments to maximize their efforts.
The Rising Threat of Terrorism and Banditry
The recent influx of fleeing bandits and terrorist groups from the North-Central region has further escalated the security situation in the South West. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had raised the alarm over the influx, warning of the growing threat to the safety of citizens in the zone. According to reports, the movement of armed groups has been accompanied by a rise in criminal activities, including kidnappings and violent robberies.
The increasing presence of groups like ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) in the South West has added an alarming dimension to the crisis. These groups, notorious for their terror campaigns in the North East and North Central, are now believed to be spreading into the South West, further complicating efforts to restore peace.
Adams has emphasized that swift action is crucial to prevent the region from descending into chaos. “We are fully aware of the situation and are doing everything in our power to ensure that these terrorists do not take root in our region,” he said. “But we need the support of the governors. Without their cooperation, we are fighting an uphill battle.”
Political Implications of Security Failures
The failure of the South West governors to engage with local security groups has raised serious questions about political priorities in the region. While the public continues to demand action against the increasing wave of insecurity, the lack of communication between state governments and grassroots security organizations is becoming a major point of contention.
Some political analysts suggest that the governors’ reluctance to collaborate with local security groups may stem from concerns about losing control over regional security and law enforcement. However, Adams and other security stakeholders argue that this approach could be disastrous, especially as the threat from bandits and terrorists continues to grow.
“The governors must understand that this is not about power or ego,” Adams warned. “This is about the safety of our people. If we wait any longer, it may be too late to contain this threat.”
The Path Forward: A Call for Unity and Collaboration
In light of the escalating security threats, Adams, the OPC, and other security groups are calling for urgent collaboration with the state governments to combat the rise in violence. They have reiterated their readiness to support and complement the efforts of law enforcement agencies in the region.
However, Adams stressed that without the necessary political will, it will be challenging to achieve lasting peace in the South West. “It’s time for the South West governors to step up and take decisive action,” he urged. “The people of this region deserve nothing less.”
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the South West governors will respond to the growing pressure to collaborate with local security groups or whether the region will continue to face the growing tide of insecurity with limited resources.
