More than 100 Pan-Yoruba and self-determination groups have called for an end to attacks and divisions among their organisations, while urging the Federal Government to implement state police to address insecurity across the region.

The groups made the call at a meeting on peace, unity and conflict prevention in Yorubaland held in Lagos on Tuesday.

They said growing insecurity, terrorism, extremism, internal divisions and religious tensions were threatening the peace, heritage and development of Yoruba and Itsekiri communities.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the groups resolved to work together to promote peace, prosperity and harmony across Yoruba and Itsekiri territories.

They specifically called for an end to attacks against leaders of various Pan-Yoruba and self-determination organisations, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams; Professor Banji Akintoye; Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho; and other leaders.

The groups also agreed that there should be no further attacks against one another through social media or other platforms, warning that individuals or organisations that disregarded the resolution would be seen as undermining peace and unity in Yorubaland.

They also opposed extremism and called for the preservation of the region’s tradition of religious freedom and tolerance.

The delegates urged an end to attacks targeting traditional worshippers, Christians, Muslims and freethinkers, saying religious differences should not be allowed to threaten peaceful coexistence.

Speaking on insecurity, the groups condemned the situation across the region and urged the Federal and state governments to take decisive measures to protect residents.

They specifically called for the speedy implementation of state police, which they described as necessary in addressing security challenges in the region.

The groups also called for stronger cooperation among Yoruba and Itsekiri communities across the South-West, as well as in Kwara, Kogi and Yoruba-speaking parts of Edo State.

They said such cooperation would promote political, economic and cultural integration while helping the communities respond collectively to internal and external security threats.

As part of their response to insecurity, the groups called for community defence by indigenous Yoruba and Itsekiri people.

The meeting also addressed the role of traditional rulers, urging them to promote unity and protect Yoruba cultural heritage.

The groups appealed to traditional rulers to focus more on improving the social, cultural and economic conditions of their people rather than engaging in rivalries that could undermine the dignity of traditional institutions.

On governance, the delegates expressed support for democracy and opposed moves they considered capable of undermining the will of the people.

They also called for free, fair and credible elections, describing credible elections as essential to sustainable development.

The groups expressed support for the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), urging South-West states to support its programmes and achievements.

They further called for greater regional integration involving the South-West, Kogi, Kwara, Edo and Itsekiri communities in the Niger Delta.

Among the proposed regional projects was the development of Lagos-Warri water and rail transportation links to improve economic and cultural integration.

The groups also raised concerns over the power situation in the region, blaming inadequate electricity supply for worsening poverty and slowing economic development.

They criticised electricity distribution companies for what they described as poor service and exploitation of consumers, calling for measures to address the problems affecting electricity supply in Yoruba territories.

On self-determination, the groups reaffirmed their commitment to ethnic self-determination, describing it as a right recognised under the United Nations Charter and arguing that it remained important to the political, economic and cultural aspirations of the Yoruba people.

The meeting resolved to establish a Working Group on Peace Building and Conflict Prevention in Western Nigeria.

The committee, according to the communiqué, will comprise the conveners of the meeting and would be expanded to include other representatives.

It is expected to engage groups involved in disputes in an effort to promote peace, harmony and coexistence among Pan-Yoruba organisations.

The meeting was attended by representatives of groups including Oodua Youth Movement, Agbekoya, Ilana Omo Oodua, Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups, Oodua Peoples Congress, Yoruba Self Determination Movement, Afenifere Youth Movement, Yoruba Council Worldwide, Oodua National Congress and several other organisations.

The communiqué was signed by Adewale Adeoye, Chief Kunle Adesokan and Alhaji Jubril Ogundimu, who served as conveners of the meeting.