The Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against the escalating attacks by suspected herdsmen in the South West region.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Dr. Victor Taiwo, the council expressed deep concern over the surge in kidnappings, killings, and destruction of farmland in the region over the past three months.
Dr. Taiwo revealed that intelligence reports indicate the presence of multiple armed camps operated by criminal elements across the South West—27 in Ondo State, 16 in Ekiti State, seven in Osun State, and five in Ogun State.
He also recalled an alarming incident involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who reportedly discovered that terrorists were camped just two kilometers from a location he had planned to use for his birthday celebration.
Expressing frustration over previous security summits that failed to yield tangible results, the council announced the launch of a security trust fund to finance community-led initiatives against insecurity. The fund will be managed by a Board of Governors composed of individuals with high integrity.
“We can no longer afford to wait while our people are being killed and displaced,” Taiwo stated. “If the government cannot protect us, we must take responsibility for our own security.”
The elders urged President Tinubu to prioritize the safety of Yoruba people and take urgent action against rising insecurity.
“It is unimaginable that while Fulani attackers are butchering Yoruba people, our own Yoruba president remains silent, seemingly prioritizing political interests over the safety of his people,” Taiwo lamented.
The council further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to support the security initiative, emphasizing that safeguarding lives and property should be a collective effort.
As insecurity continues to escalate, the Council of Yoruba Elders insists that decisive action must be taken to protect communities and restore peace to the South West.
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