The Federal Government and Governors of the Southwest States have been urged to take decisive collaborative action to tackle the rising insecurity in the region.
Rising from an emergency meeting in Lagos on Monday, the Southwest Security Statekolders' Group (SSSG) called for enhanced collaboration among governments at all levels, traditional rulers, and various security stakeholders across the Southwest in order to curb the recurring security incidences.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ireti Adewole, the group, led by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, said it was disturbed by pockets of security breaches that have become heightened lately across the region.
The group comprises of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Professional Hunters Association, Odua Warriors, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, and Omo Oduduwa United, among others, which all have structures at the grassroot across all local governments.
It convened to deliberate on the growing threats, to address the escalating insecurity and to strategise on effective responses across the region.
It cited such security breaches that recently occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, the killing of a monarch, the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure, Ondo State, and other incidences in Ekiti and Kwara States, highlighting concerns about the potential incursions by extremist groups into the states.
The stakeholders expressed deep concern over the surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and banditry that have disrupted peace and stability in the Southwest.
Particular attention was drawn to the vulnerable Yoruba-speaking populations in Kwara and Kogi states, where insecurity has intensified, reportedly involving organised terrorist activities.
The SSSG stressed the urgent need for a unified and strategic approach to safeguard lives and properties, restore public confidence, and promote lasting peace in the Southwest and affected Yoruba-speaking communities in Kwara and Kogi states.
"At this juncture, there is an urgent need for collective stance by all security stakeholders and a renewed commitment to tackling insecurity through cooperation, community engagement, and strengthened security frameworks," the group added.
