…Vast stretches of forests taken over —Afenifere
…We want safe roads, secure farms, peaceful communities —Yoruba Council
By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South West; Shina Abubarka; James Ogunnnaike & Adeola Badru
For about two decades, the northern part of the country has been ravaged by terrorism characterised by sacking of entire communities, mass killings, looting, destruction and kidnappings for ransom.
The terrorists later upped their evil acts by attacking schools and abducting students and teachers. What was witnessed in the southern part occasionally was a pocket of kidnap for ransom.
It was somewhat unthinkable for the people of the South West to imagine that their own children would also be abducted by terrorists and kept in the forests in their land. Since last month when 39 students and pupils and seven of their teachers were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state, Yorubaland has been thrown into turmoil. Teachers have embarked on strike and protests as various groups and organizations continue to mount pressures on the government to rescue the abducted children and their teachers without delay.
Following this abduction, attention has shifted to the areas in the region which the terrorists have found safe enough to inhabit and from where they launched the attack.
OYO
In Oyo state, the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor, particularly around the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), has been regarded as a vulnerable flashpoint for the terrorists.
The area, characterised by dense forest cover and difficult terrain, has reportedly become a source of anxiety for motorists, commuters and nearby communities due to recurring incidents of criminal activity, including kidnappings and armed attacks.
Last month, two members of staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) were abducted. This brought the total number of reported kidnapping incidents in the area to three within a period of three months, a development that has intensified calls for stronger security presence and coordinated intervention along the corridor.
Reacting to the development, the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, Sooko Oladotun Hassan, said: “The security of lives and property across Yorubaland remains a matter of utmost concern to all responsible leaders, traditional institutions, security agencies and community stakeholders.
“Reports of criminal elements operating within some forested corridors and along certain highways in the South-West should not be treated lightly, but neither should they be exaggerated in a manner that creates unnecessary panic among citizens.
“There have been recurring security concerns along some routes traversing dense forest belts, including sections of the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, Ilesa–Ado Ekiti Road, Akure–Owo Road, and parts of the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, where incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks have been reported at various times.
“Likewise, forests stretching across parts of Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun States have occasionally featured in security reports concerning the activities of criminal gangs and kidnappers. These incidents have understandably heightened public anxiety and affected confidence among commuters.
“However, it is important to distinguish between criminality and terrorism in the legal and operational sense. Security agencies are best positioned to make such classifications based on intelligence and evidence. What is undeniable is that criminal groups have exploited difficult terrains, particularly remote forests, to carry out kidnappings and other violent crimes.
“The Yoruba Council Worldwide strongly advocates a comprehensive security architecture that combines federal security agencies, state-backed security outfits, local intelligence networks, traditional rulers, hunters, vigilante groups and community leaders. Security challenges of this nature require coordination, professionalism and lawful engagement rather than rhetoric.”
OGUN
In Ogun State, there are several strategic routes and forest corridors identified as potential entry points for criminal elements. These locations include the Abeokuta–Imeko axis through the Iwoye forest, which provides extensive forest cover and difficult terrain for effective monitoring.
Another notable route is the Badagry–Atan–Abeokuta–Sokoto road corridor. Owing to its connectivity across multiple communities and states, the route presents security challenges that require enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The Abeokuta–Olodo–Ibadan road has also been highlighted as another area of concern. Its strategic location and accessibility make it a potential pathway for the movement of undesirable elements which must be adequately secured.
Similarly, sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, particularly around Ogunmakin village and adjoining forested areas, have attracted the attention of security stakeholders due to their vulnerability to criminal infiltration and activities.
ONDO
Also, in Ondo state, there are 16 farmlands and forest reserves and many of them were said to have been taken over by some criminal elements. It will be recalled that there were killings and displacement of farmers in the Ala axis of Akure North Local Government by herders recently.
Notorious hot spots in Ondo state include Ago-Daada, Ago-Oyinbo, Ago-Ademekun farmlands all in Akure North council area of the state. Over 30 farmers and travellers have been murdered while many others were injured by rampaging herdsmen in these forests in Akure North council area of the state.
Also, suspected gunmen hacked to death the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village, Agamo Area, in Akure North council area of the state, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, inside his palace in a failed abduction bid. No fewer than 10 suspected gunmen from the forest stormed the palace at about 7:10pm.
The monarch struggled with his abductors after which they shot him several times. He was later clubbed to death.
In Ugbe Akoko, Akoko North East council area of Ondo state, a businessman, Augustine Okoye, was killed. He was abducted alongside his wife on the Isua-Ise Akoko road. The abductors reportedly came from one of the forests in the Akoko axis.
A government official said, “we have now stationed military officers in Ala to secure the land and restore confidence for our farmers and investors. This action will deter criminals from using the forests as hideouts.
In an interview, the State commander of the security outfit codenamed Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye said, “we have had an upsurge of criminal activities. The officers and men of the Ondo State security network mobilised additional support from the neighbouring local government and entered the forest reserves and areas noted for these nefarious activities. In the last week, we were able to arrest 32 suspects for kidnapping who are undergoing different stages of interrogation.
“We want to reassure the residents of Ondo State that with the effort put in place by the government of Ondo State, all security agencies were drafted to flush out these criminals from their hideouts. As a result of the recent killings in the Akure North axis, officers and men from all security agencies, including Amotekun, have been parading the area”.
Recall that angry youths blocked Akure/ Owo highway with corpses of kidnapped victims, following a kidnap attack where two persons were shot dead and three others abducted by armed gunmen in Ilu Abo farmland in Akure North council area of the state.
Also in a forest in Ikare Akoko axis, a mastermind of the kidnap incident, Abdullahi Lawal, has been arrested by police detectives.
Speaking on the insecurity in the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa vowed to deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators following the security challenges in some parts of the state in the last one month.
Aiyedatiwa warned that “no sponsor or godfather of criminal activities would be spared once traced.
“If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate business or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared”.
The governor expressed concern over rising incidents of abduction in some parts of the state, noting that one community had recorded three kidnap cases within the last two months, a development he described as worrisome.
Security agencies, according to him, had arrested 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes in the state, adding that some of those arrested were already making confessional statements”.
Defeat terrorism, restore confidence across South West—Afenifere tasks FG
Meanwhile, Pan Yoruba Socio- political group, Afenifere, has said that as a foremost socio-political organisation committed to the safety, welfare and progress of the Yoruba people and all residents of the South-West, it welcomes every lawful and patriotic initiative aimed at confronting the growing menace of terrorism, kidnapping and organised violent crime in the South West region.
In an interview with Abagun Kole Omololu, the National Organising Secretary of the group, he said that, “the deteriorating situation has imposed severe hardship on farmers, travellers, rural communities and businesses. Vast stretches of forests have become hideouts for criminal gangs who continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. This reality demands innovative, collaborative and community driven responses that complement the efforts of conventional law-enforcement and intelligence agencies.
“Afenifere therefore urges the Federal Government to establish an appropriate legal and operational framework through which credible volunteer groups, local security formations and other responsible informal organisations can assist in safeguarding our forests and rural communities. Such participation should be subject to proper vetting and accountability mechanisms.
“There is already precedent for collaboration between government and non-state actors. Private security companies are engaged in the protection of critical national assets, including oil and gas pipelines.
“There is therefore a compelling case for extending similar structured authorisation to qualified groups willing to contribute to the protection of lives, farmlands and communities from terrorists and kidnappers. Public safety is a collective responsibility. The challenge confronting the nation is too grave to be left solely to overstretched conventional agencies. Every lawful and responsible stakeholder must be encouraged and mobilised in defence of our people.
“Afenifere remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and stability of the South-West and calls upon the Federal Government to act with urgency in harnessing all available legitimate resources to defeat terrorism and restore confidence across the region.
We want safe roads, secure farms, peaceful communities —Yoruba Council Worldwide
Similarly, The Yoruba Council Worldwide has said that any group that is genuinely interested in assisting to tackle terrorism in Yorubaland should engage through established legal channels and work with relevant authorities while at the same time, the Federal Government should not ignore offers of legitimate community support. In an interview with the President of the Council, Sooko Oladotun Hassan, he said, “Across the world, local knowledge and community-based intelligence often play crucial roles in combating insecurity. The government should therefore strengthen collaboration with recognised local security initiatives, including hunters and vigilante networks operating within the law.
“The focus should not be on who takes credit for confronting criminality but on achieving measurable results. Our people want safe roads, secure farms, peaceful communities and free movement. That objective must unite all stakeholders regardless of political, ethnic or organisational affiliations.
“The Yoruba Council Worldwide calls for intensified patrols along the identified flashpoints, sustained surveillance of forest reserves, improved intelligence sharing among security agencies and the deployment of technology-driven security solutions. We also urge state governments in the South-West to continue investing in regional security initiatives while maintaining close cooperation with federal authorities.
“Ultimately, the protection of Yorubaland is a collective responsibility. Every stakeholder, government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community organisations and citizens, must work together within the framework of the law to ensure that no part of the South-West becomes a safe haven for criminals. The safety and prosperity of our people must remain the overriding priority.”
A community leader, Mr Olufemi Elegbede has also expressed support in the offer by some groups in the South West to assist the Federal Government in tackling insecurity describing the proposal as a welcome development.
He said such an initiative would complement existing security structures and strengthen ongoing efforts to maintain peace, stability and public order across the region.
According to him, “This intervention is particularly important because individuals involved in criminal activities often have a better understanding of the terrain they seek to exploit than the security personnel deployed to monitor them. Their familiarity with the environment can provide operational advantages if not effectively countered.”
He noted that community-based security initiatives could significantly enhance public safety by complementing conventional policing efforts, particularly in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime through improved local intelligence, community trust and rapid response mechanisms.
Elegbede explained that the effectiveness of such initiatives lies in their deep knowledge of local communities, routine patrols in underserved areas, close collaboration with residents, intelligence sharing across South-West states and the deployment of proactive measures, including visible security operations and technology-driven surveillance, to deter criminal activities before they escalate. He stressed the importance of a coordinated approach involving security agencies, local communities and intelligence networks.
“Such collaboration will enhance situational awareness, improve response capabilities and help prevent the infiltration of criminal elements through these identified routes and forest corridors,” he said.
On his part, a political analyst and former state chairman of the social Democratic Party, Hon Stephen Adewale argued that the offer by such groups “should be treated with caution, but not with outright dismissal. It reflects a deeper frustration among local communities who feel increasingly exposed to kidnapping, banditry and forest-based criminality in the South-West. However, the security of citizens cannot be reduced to heroic declarations or ethnic mobilisation. Forest security requires intelligence, lawful coordination, clear command structures, accountability, and cooperation with recognised security agencies. Otherwise, what begins as community defence may easily degenerate into vigilantism, profiling, reprisal attacks, or the creation of another armed layer outside government control.
“That said, the offer also exposes a real governance failure. When citizens begin to look toward activists, hunters, ethnic militias or informal security networks for protection, it means confidence in formal security institutions has weakened. The government must, therefore, respond to the fear that produces those claims.
“My view is that local knowledge is important. Hunters, forest guards, Amotekun, vigilante groups and community informants can play useful roles because they understand the terrain better than distant security formations. Nonetheless, they must operate only within a lawful framework, under state supervision, and in collaboration with the police, DSS, NSCDC and other relevant agencies.
“Insecurity in the South-West should not be ethnicised, romanticised or politicised. It should be confronted firmly, lawfully and intelligently. The forests must be secured, but the rule of law must not be abandoned in the process.
Another political analyst, Hon Ayo Fadaka said that “such powerful activists need not wait for approval from the Federal Government. Let them proceed immediately now and flush out the criminals, or else it may be too late.
It is time to act decisively to protect ourselves, our communities and the great Yoruba heritage. We must not allow a group of ill-bred criminals of no distinct civilization to invade our space.
South West Governors must act now, our collective peace, tranquility and lives are threatened by invading criminals, we must battle them, we must vanquish them, time to act is now”.
