Yoruba Group Calls for Regional Measures to Address Growing Insecurity in Southwest Nigeria

James Emejo in Abuja

Under the umbrella of the Oduduwa Development and Integrity Organisation (ODIO), Yoruba leaders have urged urgent regional cooperation to curb the escalating killings and abductions in the South‑west.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by ODIO leaders to the corporate office of The Game Changer Group (TGCG), a well‑known Nigerian socio‑political organisation that mobilises grassroots communities and advocates on national issues.

Alhaji Bolaji Raji, the Director‑General of TGCG and newly appointed Grand Patron, warned that the worsening insecurity must not be allowed to spiral further. He described the rising cases of kidnappings and murders as “disturbing” and called for unity among Yoruba leaders to confront the threat.

Raji said insecurity has become a national challenge that demands collective action beyond ethnic or political lines. “This is a sad development that affects the entire country, not just one tribe,” he said. “As a Yoruba leader, I will do my best to prevent insecurity from spreading throughout Yorubaland. We will work to curtail and stop it permanently.” He added, “Yorubas are never afraid to face reality. We are ready to tackle it and by God’s grace we shall overcome it.”

ODIO Director‑General Otunba Olusola Orelaja noted that farming activities and livelihoods in parts of the South‑west are increasingly threatened by armed groups and criminal elements. He warned that the security situation had become precarious and urged governors in the region to strengthen collaboration before the situation deteriorates further. “We observe their movements with their cattle, recognising Nigeria as our shared home. However, our tolerance ends when our safety is compromised,” he said.

Orelaja recalled that former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had anticipated the security threat, leading to the establishment of the Amotekun security outfit. He said decisive action by state governments is now necessary to prevent further bloodshed and displacement. “We are actively engaging governors in the region because we cannot continue to watch our people being killed,” he said.

The South‑west has seen a rise in attacks by gunmen in recent months, including kidnappings and killings in several communities. One recent incident occurred in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where scores of students were abducted during attacks on Community High School and Yawota Baptist School in the Oriire area. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was taken alongside students and staff, was later reported killed in captivity. Assistant headmaster Joel Adesiyan and a commercial motorcyclist were also shot dead during the assault.

In Kwara State, over 200 people were reportedly abducted in separate attacks, including 176 victims in a single incident in February. There were also reports of officials from the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria in Ogun State being abducted while distributing seedlings to farmers.