The Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) has sounded a critical alarm, warning of a dangerous influx of bandits into Nigeria's Southwestern region. The group's urgent warning follows a recent violent attack and points to a pattern of strategic encroachment threatening the area's stability.
Attack in Oyo and Nationwide Warnings Trigger Alert
In a press statement released on 9 January 2026 and signed by its scribe, Debo Adeniran, the YDV based its grave concerns on the recent assault on the old National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Suspected bandits carried out this attack.
The group insists that circulating intelligence, including social media reports of American tips and constant warnings of planned attacks on Southwest states, must be taken with the utmost seriousness. "Should not be treated with kid gloves," the statement emphasized.
Specific Areas Put on High Vigilance
YDV issued a direct alert to security agencies and residents in a swath of communities to be extremely vigilant. The listed areas include:
- Sango, Ota, Akera, Alagbado crossing
- Kollington, AIT, Ikola, Ayetoro
- Owode, Atan, Ijoko, and Itele axis
The body urged people in these locations to report any strange movements to authorities immediately.
Broader Concerns: Land Grabs and Constitutional Threats
Beyond immediate bandit threats, the YDV expressed deep displeasure over what it describes as forceful land acquisitions and communal clashes. A key example cited is the takeover of a large forest expanse in Ejiba Town, Yagba, Okun land in Kogi State by some Fulani settlers, who reportedly renamed the area Nasarawa without community consent.
The group highlighted that recently occupied areas in Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Yewa land (bordering Benin Republic), and the Oke-Ogun axis are all within approximately 300 kilometres of central Lagos.
"This is a strange and strategic coincidence…it smells and tilts towards conscious manoeuvres," the YDV statement declared, suggesting a coordinated effort.
Calls for Action: State Police and Naming Terror Sponsors
The YDV proposed concrete solutions to the escalating security challenges. The group strongly backed the creation of State Police, calling for expedited constitutional action to make it a reality. It also advocated for district vigilantes to complement the state police force.
"We believe that with the recent Supreme Court pronouncement and practical support by the Presidency of local government, it will allow for funding of such local vigilantes with ease," the group noted.
Furthermore, YDV commended the Federal Government for the Nigerian military's collaboration with the United States, which led to U.S. airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto State and subsequent mop-up operations. However, it squarely called on the government to publicly name the sponsors of terrorism in the country.
The organization also stressed the need for adequate control of foreign forces in anti-terror operations to protect national sovereignty and minimize collateral damage.
