Ibadan — The Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE) has launched a fundraising campaign to support security operations aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across 10 states, expressing confidence that the initiative could deliver significant improvements in security within 60 days of implementation.
The Council’s Secretary-General, Dr. Victor Taiwo, announced the initiative while addressing journalists in Ibadan, calling on affluent Yoruba sons and daughters, as well as other well-meaning Nigerians, to contribute towards the campaign.
According to Taiwo, the funds will be used to procure surveillance drones, intelligence-gathering equipment and other security tools needed to strengthen efforts against criminal activities threatening communities in Yoruba-speaking areas.
He said the council had developed a strategy capable of addressing the security challenges but declined to disclose details of the plan.
“We have identified a solution that can stop banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, but we are not prepared to disclose it at this stage. What we need now are the necessary resources,” he said.
Taiwo expressed optimism that the proposed intervention would produce tangible results within 60 days once the required resources are mobilised.
He explained that the security initiative would cover Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states.
The CYE secretary-general lamented the worsening security situation, saying previous warnings issued by the council since 2015 over the expansion of criminal activities into parts of the South-West had not received adequate attention.
He stressed that the council was determined to take proactive steps to protect lives and communities.
“We have to find ways to halt the further expansion of banditry and secure the release of those in captivity. Yoruba people are not ready to succumb to what we perceive as threats. We will resist with all the resources available to us,” Taiwo stated.
He disclosed that the fundraising campaign had already attracted contributions from some individuals and appealed to more Nigerians, particularly those of Yoruba extraction, to support the initiative.
Taiwo also alleged that insecurity had claimed the lives of several traditional rulers and displaced residents from some communities, citing reports that 17 monarchs had been killed in Kwara State.
He further claimed that armed criminal groups were seeking to expand their activities into Yoruba communities, warning that urgent and coordinated action was required to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
The council also criticised what it described as the inadequate response of political leaders to the growing insecurity, urging governments and other stakeholders to demonstrate greater commitment in addressing the challenge.
