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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Oodua Unity Group has raised the alarm over the worsening insecurity plaguing the South West region of Nigeria and parts of Kogi and Kwara states, urging governments at all levels to take immediate and decisive action.
Rising from a consultative meeting held in Lagos, the pan-Yoruba interest group called for the establishment of local government and state police forces as a long-term solution to what it described as a hydra-headed challenge.
The group said the persistent security crisis is now threatening livelihoods and undermining the region’s economy.
In a statement by its communication secretary, Kola Aare, the group lamented the increasing fears among residents, many of who are reportedly unable to travel freely, access their farms, or sleep soundly at night due to fear of attacks and kidnappings.
“Our people can no longer go to their farms for fear of being kidnapped. And for those who risk it, the cost of getting produce to the market has skyrocketed due to insecurity and poor road networks. This has led to rising food prices and deepening hardship in our communities,”Aare said.
The group cited specific areas in Ogun, Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states, where security has significantly deteriorated.
These include: Imeko Afon, Alagbede, Iwoye, Tobolo, and Ilara in Ogun State; Ikole, Ikere, Igbara-Odo, Itapaji, Eyemoro, Ijan, and Ilumoba in Ekiti State; Baba Nla, Bororo, Osi, and Oro in Kwara State; and Yoruba-speaking communities in Kogi State such as: Oko-loke, Ejiba, Egbe (Yagba West), Odo-Ape, and Ole-Bunu (Kabba-Bunu LG).
The group called for a collaborative approach involving federal, state, and local governments to urgently address the crisis. It also emphasized the importance of community vigilance and collective efforts in curbing insecurity at the grassroots.
“The situation has become so worrisome, and we cannot continue to fold our arms. Now is the time for concrete and immediate action,”the group warned.
