South-West Security Stakeholders Demand Federal and State Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity
The South-West Security Stakeholders' Group (SSSG) has reiterated its urgent demand for decisive collaborative action between the Federal Government and the governors of South-West states to address the escalating insecurity in the region. Following an emergency meeting held in Lagos, the group emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among all levels of government, traditional rulers, and various security stakeholders to curb recurring security breaches.
Growing Concerns Over Security Incidents
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Ireti Adewole, the SSSG expressed deep disturbance over pockets of heightened security breaches across the South-West. The group, led by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, highlighted specific incidents, including recent security breaches in Ibadan, Oyo State, the killing of the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure, Ondo State, and other occurrences in Ekiti and Kwara states. These events have raised alarms about potential incursions by extremist groups into the region.
The stakeholders voiced particular concern over the surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and banditry, which have severely disrupted peace and stability in the Southwest. Attention was also drawn to the vulnerable Yoruba-speaking populations in Kwara and Kogi states, where insecurity has intensified, reportedly involving organised terrorist activities.
Call for Unified Strategic Approach
The SSSG stressed the urgent necessity for a unified, strategic approach to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and promote lasting peace in the Southwest and affected Yoruba-speaking communities. "At this juncture, there is an urgent need for a collective stance by all security stakeholders and a renewed commitment to tackling insecurity through cooperation, community engagement, and strengthened security frameworks," the group added in its statement.
Comprising organizations such as 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, the SSSG has grassroots structures across all local governments. The group convened to deliberate on the growing threats, address the escalating insecurity, and strategize on effective responses to ensure regional safety.
