Adams urges Southwest Governors to tackle banditry before it escalates

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has urged governors in the South-West region to urgently address the growing security threats posed by bandits infiltrating their states.

He made the call in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland    warned that ignoring Makinde’s revelation could have dire consequences for the region.

Adams, who is also the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, lamented the worsening security situation across the country, noting that the South-West has increasingly become a target for bandits and kidnappers.

He said, “The alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is a wake-up call for all the governors in the South-West. I raised similar concerns last year, but nothing was done. Sadly, insecurity has continued to escalate.

“The South-West Security Stakeholders Group including the OPC, Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, and others under my leadership, have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the region.

“However, now that Governor Makinde has sounded the alarm, it is imperative for a more urgent and coordinated approach to tackle the issue before it spirals out of control.”

Adams stressed the importance of Oyo State as the political nerve centre of the South-West, warning that any security breakdown in the state could have ripple effects across the entire region.

He said, “Oyo State is the political capital of the South-West, and whatever happens there will undoubtedly affect the entire region.

“I urge all South-West governors to remain vigilant and address the security challenges in their respective states promptly.”

Adams also offered to collaborate with state governments to strengthen the security architecture, adding, “The time to act is now.”