…urges traditional rulers, community leaders to be vigilant
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has called on South-West governors to take decisive and coordinated action in addressing the influx of bandits into the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, Afenifere expressed deep concern over the security challenges facing the South-West.
Recall that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, revealed that bandits displaced by military operations in the North-West had begun relocating to Oyo State.
“During a security briefing, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones,” the governor disclosed.
He also shared a personal encounter, stating, “During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Afenifere, in its reaction, noted that such a revelation from a state’s Chief Security Officer demands immediate attention.
The organisation urged the South-West governors to convene a high-level meeting to develop and implement strategies to eliminate the presence of bandits and prevent future infiltration into the region.
“To achieve these objectives, it is essential to involve key stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional rulers, and local vigilante leaders known as ‘Ode’,” the statement read.
Ajayi emphasised the need for advanced security measures, including the deployment of modern technology for identifying bandit hideouts, equipping operatives with state-of-the-art tools, and providing attractive incentives to security personnel.
He further stressed the importance of vigilance among traditional rulers and community leaders in detecting and reporting potential security threats.
The organisation highlighted the gravity of the situation, referencing Governor Makinde’s disclosure.
“For instance, until the governor made this revelation, such a significant security threat was unknown to the public, despite people residing in the Fashola area where bandits had reportedly established a camp. It is conceivable that similar camps might exist in other parts of the South-West, underscoring the need for immediate and effective action,” the statement said.
Afenifere concluded by calling for stronger collaboration between citizens, community leaders, and security agencies to safeguard the region from further security breaches.
