The Yoruba Afenifere Youth Organisation of Nigeria (YAYON), on Tuesday, expressed concern over the recent surge in violent attacks and insecurity in the Southwest.

The group bemoaned the growing migration of displaced terrorists and armed groups into the forests and communities in the region as well as Kwara, Kogi, and Edo States.

The group advocated the setting up of the Southwest Joint Security Taskforce to address reported cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other vices in the region.

Members of the Taskforce, as recommended, include the Military, Police, Directorate of State Services, Local vigilante, and other relevant agencies.

This formed part of the resolutions at the South-West and other Yoruba-speaking states Security Summit, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The communiqué, which was signed and read by the National President of YAYON, Eric Oluwole, also called for the establishment of a committee of security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, hunters, and other stakeholders to periodically review the security situation in the zone.

It explained that the decision to organise the summit was connected with a comprehensive review of the current security situation in the region.

It added, “This resolution highlights the increasing security threats facing the Southwest and other Yoruba-speaking states, which include, but are not limited to, kidnapping, unlawful killings, armed robbery, destruction of farmlands, and other criminal activities.

“These issues pose a serious risk to the safety, economic potential, and development goals of the region. Therefore, there is an urgent need for coordinated efforts among key stakeholders to develop a strategic, intelligence-driven communication system and implement sustained, security-focused actions across the Southwest and beyond.

“We express deep concern over the recent surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and widespread destruction of property, especially farmlands across the zone.”

The president lamented that the incidents pose a severe threat to human lives, disrupt economic activities and food security, discourage local and foreign investment, and undermine confidence in public institutions.

It said, “We acknowledge the growing frustration among residents regarding the conduct of certain security personnel, including incidents of extortion and misconduct, some of which have been widely circulated on social media.”

He further bemoaned the growing migration of displaced terrorists and armed groups into the forests and communities of the region as well as to Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States, respectively.

It added, “This situation has been further complicated by the influx of undocumented migrants from neighboring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Mali, which was facilitated by the Nation’s porous borders.”

Oluwole, therefore, called on the Federal Government and other appropriate authorities to prioritize the welfare of security personnel and deploy advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones, CCTV, and biometric scanners to key border entry points.

“The welfare of security agencies should be improved through the provision of additional benefits, while prompt and consistent salary payments must be ensured to enhance morale and address the issue of occasional delays.”

He further urged all the relevant authorities, including the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, border control institutions, and traditional leaders, to increase collaboration between Immigration Services and local communities to monitor illegal entry and movement.

“We call on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, set up a South-West Joint Security Task Force comprising representatives from the Police, Military, Department of State Service, Amotekun, Local Vigilantes, Civil Defense, Local Hunters, and other agencies required.

“A committee of security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, hunters, and other stakeholders should be formed to periodically review the security situation.

“The government should also create a central command and communication center to coordinate intelligence sharing and rapid response operations.”

He reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to working together with relevant stakeholders to restore peace, safeguard lives and property, and uphold the socioeconomic stability of the region.

Dignitaries at the event were Dr. Victor Taiwo (Council of Yoruba Elders), Otunba Obafemi Arowosola (Police Community Relations Officer, Zonal chairman), Dr. Ajisafe (Commander General, UNRS), Mr. Adewumi Abass (Southwest Chairman of Farmers), and Sheikh Abdul Raheem Adanigba (Chief Imam Yorubaland).