Insecurity: South West govs advised to be vigilant

From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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South West governors have been urged to be vigilant and proactive in the face of damning security breaches in the region.

The Head of Harmonised Vigilante Group in the South West, Alhaji Rilwan Hussein Yahasalam, said the rate of kidnappings and banditry presently in all the states  requires utmost vigilance and quick action.

Yahasalam,  expressed concern over the general insecurity around the country and the recent security threat in the South West.

He said the incessant cases of criminality in many communities of the region, which are often attributed to Fulani herdsmen indicate that there is a new dimension the security architecture of the region, which must be taken seriously to avert terrible occurrence.

According to him, the recent cases of abduction and violent robberies on highways within the South West have  instilled fear in many people, especially business women and men, including farmers who have almost abandoned their farms for the fear of being kidnapped or maimed by suspected Fulani herders.

“We are having serious security situation at hand, our communities are no more safe due to the criminal activities of bandits and kidnappers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

Yahasalam, however, added that although the police and other security agencies were making efforts to nip the situation in the bud, there is need for collaborative efforts towards fighting crime from other non-state actors, especially local vigilante groups.

He recalled how such state of insecurity surfaced in the 90s and early 2000, in which the intervention of his group, in collaboration with security agencies eventually curbed the menace.