The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has raised an alarm about the infiltration of terrorists in the South-West region of Nigeria. According to Adams, terrorists have successfully infiltrated 40 local government areas (LGAs) out of the 137 LGAs in the region.
Adams Reveals Terrorist Presence in 40 LGAs
Speaking during an interview with The Punch, as reported by TheCable, Adams stated: "We have 137 local government areas in the south-west, and we spotted not remnants of terrorists, but a lot of terrorists in no fewer than 40 local governments. We have many terrorists who have infiltrated those local government areas."
Criticism of State Governors
Adams lamented that his office had made attempts to collaborate with state governors over the past two years, but to no avail. He explained that they decided to work with state governments because it would yield better results compared to law enforcement agents. "This is a government that knows your antecedents, knows that you have a structure across Yorubaland, even beyond Yorubaland, and in some northern states, yet refuses to talk to you, refuses to agree with you, or even assist you, despite being in power and benefitting from security votes," he said.
Unification of OPC Factions
Adams disclosed that all factions of the Oodua Peoples' Congress (OPC) and other groups will collaborate to confront the terrorists in the region. He noted that hunters possess limited powers to engage kidnappers and rescue abducted schoolchildren, referencing the recent attack in Oriire LGA of Oyo state.
Background: Oyo School Attack
Recall that one of the teachers abducted during a recent attack on schools in the Oriire local government area of Oyo state was murdered. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that a Mathematics teacher was killed by the terrorists, and a video emerged showing the development. The abduction occurred during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
President Tinubu's Response
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured that all victims abducted during the attack on schools in Oyo state will be rescued, while condemning the killing of one of the kidnapped teachers. Tinubu stated that security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the Oyo victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community. Attacks like the recent Oriire LGA incident are common in northern and central Nigeria, where bandits and insurgents often target remote communities with weak security presence.
