A nation plagued by unrest and insecurity is inevitably trapped in underdevelopment, fear, and social retrogression. The South-West region of Nigeria, once celebrated for peace, culture, intellectual advancement, and economic stability, has gradually become a zone threatened by kidnapping, banditry, and violent criminal activities that continue to weaken our economy and social development.

In my recent article titled “Good Night The Agents Of Participatory Decision Making And Modernization: The Death of Democracy In Nigeria, A Bitter Experience,” I emphasized the dangers confronting the Nigerian state and the urgent need for responsible leadership. Today, it is becoming increasingly clear that if urgent and strategic actions are not taken, the South-West region may gradually lose its identity, security, and traditional values to forces of violence and organized criminality.

Sadly, many traditional rulers who were once regarded as custodians of culture, morality, and communal security have now become political contractors rather than defenders of the people and protectors of tradition. This unfortunate reality may not be surprising when one considers that the selection of many traditional rulers today is based more on political compensation and personal interests than on the sacred and conventional processes that once guided kingship selection in Yoruba land.

History remains a great teacher. We must not forget the historical account of Shehu Alimi and the eventual takeover of Ilorin, the town of Afonja. Ilorin was once deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and traditions, but carelessness, internal betrayal, and lack of strategic resistance opened the door for external domination that has remained evident till today. A people who fail to learn from history may eventually become victims of repeated historical mistakes.

How long shall our people continue to live in fear, pain, agony, and insecurity? We now live in a society where even political leaders and traditional rulers can no longer sleep peacefully because of the fear of attacks, kidnapping, and violent invasions in the middle of the night.

Yoruba land, once respected for bravery, intelligence, and strong traditional institutions, is gradually becoming a dangerous playground for kidnappers and bandits. This situation raises serious questions about the collapse of our communal values, security consciousness, and leadership responsibilities.

A Question for Our Kings

Where is the strength, courage, and spiritual authority of our forefathers that once distinguished the Yoruba race among other regions? Yoruba land is richly blessed with cultural heritage, traditional institutions, native intelligence, and powerful communal structures. Why then has insecurity overwhelmed our land to the extent that individuals are now left alone to secure and defend themselves?

If kings themselves are being kidnapped and killed, what then becomes the fate of the ordinary citizens?

At this critical moment, our kings, politicians, traditional institutions, local vigilantes, and native hunters must synergize and work together in confronting this growing menace before it completely destroys the peace and stability of the South-West region.

The recent happenings in Ogbomosho should serve as a serious warning to all South-West states. The activities of criminal elements and suspected Bororo bandits spreading across the region are clear indications that insecurity is becoming deeply rooted within our communities. This development is not only an embarrassment to the governors of the South-West states, but also a challenge to the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly considering that the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is from the South-West region, alongside several top security chiefs.

Can a servant become greater than his master? Can invaders continue to terrorize owners of the land without resistance? Certainly not. The time for decisive action in the South-West is now.

What then is the justification for the billions of naira allocated to security annually without visible and meaningful results? In every serious society, when a particular strategy fails repeatedly, there is always a need for restructuring and strategic reassessment. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, failed methods are often repeated because many leaders are more interested in enriching their pockets than solving the problems facing the people.

The time has come for our governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and all stakeholders to rise beyond political sentiments and unite in the pursuit of peace, security, and the protection of our people.

A secure society is the foundation of development, prosperity, and national dignity. Without security, there can be no meaningful progress.

Lion, Comr. Fapetu Oluwadamilola Victor
Lecturer and Public Analyst