Written by SpringsNewsNG Media Limited, March 25, 2025

IBADAN — The Council of Yoruba Elders has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against the growing menace of marauding herdsmen in the South West. The elders, in a statement issued by their Secretary-General, Dr. Victor Taiwo, warned that the escalating attacks, including kidnappings, killings, and destruction of farmlands, pose a grave threat to the region’s security.

Over the past three months, there has been a significant increase in violent activities linked to armed herdsmen across various states in the region. Dr. Taiwo cited reports indicating that these criminal elements operate from multiple camps, with 27 in Ondo State, 16 in Ekiti State, seven in Osun State, and five in Ogun State. Given the failure of previous security summits to curb the situation, he proposed the establishment of a dedicated security fund to support regional efforts against insecurity.

Dr. Taiwo expressed concern over the recent warning from Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who revealed that terrorists had been discovered merely two kilometers away from a planned venue for his birthday celebration.

He criticized President Tinubu for allegedly prioritizing political considerations over regional security, stating: “It appears our president is upholding a political bond rather than taking decisive action to protect his people. We had hoped that, unlike his predecessor, Tinubu would take firm steps to safeguard the Yoruba people. However, it seems we have expected too much.”

The Council also condemned what it described as unequal treatment of security threats, claiming that while attacks by herdsmen go unpunished, any act of retaliation against them is met with swift consequences. “It is troubling that the Fulanis appear to have a free pass to commit atrocities without repercussions. This special immunity must be addressed,” Taiwo lamented.

The statement urged President Tinubu to rise above politics and prioritize the safety of his people, asserting that it would be unacceptable for the cycle of violence witnessed during Buhari’s administration to persist under Tinubu’s leadership.

As part of a proactive measure, the Yoruba Elders announced the launch of a security fund, calling on traditional rulers and religious leaders to support the initiative. The funds, they assured, would be managed transparently by a Board of Governors composed of individuals with high integrity.

“This is a collective responsibility,” Dr. Taiwo emphasized. “Our people must unite to safeguard our communities if the government fails to act decisively.”

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