Yoruba monarchs have activated traditional measures to protect their territories from the influx of bandits, Boko Haram, and ISWAP members in the South-West. The monarchs, who are working closely with the South-West Governors, have vowed to ensure that the region does not become a haven for these groups as reported by Vanguard News.
According to the Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the traditional institutions are providing support to address the rising insecurity in the region. He noted that the influx of bandits into some parts of the South-West is a sign that the military is making progress in flushing them out from other parts of the country.
Oba Aladelusi emphasized that the South-West cannot be a haven for any bandit group displaced from other regions. He revealed that the traditional institutions are working with the governors to ensure the region's security. The monarchs are also reaching out to their subjects and residents in the forest reserve areas to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
In Ekiti State, the chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Olori Faboro, stated that the state has taken sufficient measures to prevent the influx of bandits. He mentioned that the state has Amotekun, a security outfit, and the Agro Marshall, which patrols the farms. Oba Faboro noted that the incident of kidnapping in the state has reduced significantly over the past year.
The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, stressed the need for collaboration between the government and traditional rulers to tackle the menace. He emphasized that the traditional rulers are familiar with the terrain and the people, making them valuable partners in securing the region.
In Sakiland, the Okere, Oba Khalid Olabisi, revealed that community vigilance groups have been established to monitor and report suspicious activities. The monarchs are also collaborating with local law enforcement and military units to ensure effective communication and rapid response to threats.
However, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, noted that traditional rulers lack the powers to check insecurity under the current Nigerian Constitution. He urged the government to take necessary steps to secure the region, particularly by informing security agencies at the border to be on alert.
