By Ayomide Otitoju
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has raised fresh concerns over escalating insecurity across the South-West region, as well as parts of Kwara and Kogi states, urging both federal and state governments to intensify efforts to curb the trend.
The monarch’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Culture and Public Relations at the Alaafin’s Palace, Ademola Adeniyi-Kukulaja.
According to the statement, the traditional ruler described the situation as urgent and deeply troubling, noting that the rising frequency and severity of attacks pose significant threats to lives, livelihoods, and the stability of affected communities.
The Alaafin called for immediate reinforcement of security architecture, stressing the need for improved coordination and a rapid scale-up of responses, particularly in vulnerable rural and agrarian areas.
“The current situation demands swift reinforcement, intensified coordination, and immediate scaling up of security responses,” the statement read, highlighting the increasing exposure of residents in affected communities.
The palace further advocated the rapid deployment of security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, real-time information sharing, and sustained operational actions to deter further attacks. It also emphasised the importance of structured collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
The monarch underscored the critical role of traditional institutions in intelligence gathering, community mobilisation, and conflict prevention.
As part of efforts to address the security challenges, the Alaafin directed the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, to commence consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop local and traditional security interventions.
He noted that the initiative, described as time-sensitive, must be carried out within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution and in alignment with lawful security operations.
The Alaafin also urged authorities to maintain transparency in communication with affected communities, stressing that timely and accurate information is vital in preventing panic, building trust, and strengthening coordinated responses.
He called on citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, noting that organised community vigilance can significantly enhance early threat detection and resilience.
The monarch extended condolences to victims and families affected by the attacks.
Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including banditry and mass abductions. While the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling the crisis, critics have called for more decisive actions to ensure the safety of citizens.
