The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently address the escalating insecurity in Benue, Plateau, and Ondo states, warning that continued silence could jeopardize national stability and food security.
Adams made the remarks during his keynote address at the grand finale of the 2025 Eledumare Festival held in Lagos, where he decried the worsening humanitarian crisis triggered by violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings allegedly carried out by armed herders in the affected states.
“The government at the centre cannot continue to turn a blind eye to these necessary demands. The time to act is now,” Adams said. “These insecurity issues go a long way to affect food security, given the important role Benue, Plateau, and Ondo states play in the food production cycle of the nation.”
He warned that persistent attacks could further discourage foreign investment and foster a climate of instability across the country.
The Yoruba leader’s comments come amid fresh waves of violence across the three states. In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed earlier this week that at least 598 people had been killed in recent attacks on several communities. The grim revelation was made during a condolence visit led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
In Plateau State, over 100 lives were lost in brutal assaults on Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas. The bloodshed sparked protests led by the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), demanding urgent action from the Federal Government.
Similarly, in Ondo State, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen reportedly killed over 20 farmers across four communities in Akure North LGA.
Adams condemned the killings in strong terms and urged the Federal Government to take decisive action in restoring peace and security to the affected regions.
“We cannot because of the political benefits of the Federal Government, continue to ignore what would be of immense benefit to the rest of the country,” he added.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo’s appeal underscores growing national concern over Nigeria’s worsening security challenges and the urgent need for holistic, coordinated interventions.
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