By Jabiru Hassan

The Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) expresses deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across Yorubaland and the rising incidences of kidnapping, violent attacks, criminal infiltration, and the displacement of communities that were once known for peace, enterprise, and communal stability. Recent developments across the South-West should concern every Yoruba son and daughter, regardless of political affiliation, religious belief, social status, or ideological persuasion.

Reports of kidnappings and violent criminal activities in parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara States, and Yoruba-speaking communities in Kogi State indicate that insecurity, once considered distant from the region, has steadily crept into the heart of Yorubaland. Recent incidents include school-related abductions and attacks in parts of Oyo State, kidnapping cases and arrests linked to criminal networks in Ekiti and Ondo States, as well as attempted abductions and other violent crimes in Ogun State.

YDV believes this moment demands urgency, wisdom, and collective responsibility rather than complacency, silence, division, or political grandstanding.We therefore call on all major pan-Yoruba organisations, socio-cultural groups, traditional institutions, youth associations, professional bodies, security stakeholders, and community leaders to immediately convene strategic engagements aimed at developing a coordinated regional response to this growing menace.

Beyond rhetoric, the time has come for enhanced intelligence sharing, stronger community vigilance structures, improved collaboration with lawful security institutions, and renewed investment in local conflict prevention and social cohesion mechanisms.

We also call on respected Yoruba leaders and elder statesmen who may hold reservations about the current administration or broader national governance issues to set aside their differences and unite around the urgent task of protecting the Yoruba homeland and heritage.

History has repeatedly shown that internal divisions often create opportunities for external threats. When destructive forces are allowed into a community, the consequences can be far-reaching and devastating.

The Yoruba nation must not weaken from within while its sons and daughters remain divided. This is also a defining moment for Yoruba political office holders at all levels of government.

They stand at a historic crossroads, with a rare opportunity to either leave a legacy of courage and service or be remembered for inaction. Leadership is measured not merely by occupying office but by safeguarding lives, protecting human rights, preserving prosperity, and securing the future of generations yet unborn.

This generation of leaders must not allow history to remember them as spectators during a critical period in our collective journey. We urge them to rise above politics and place the security and future of Yorubaland above partisan interests.To our religious leaders, it is important to remember that before any religious identity, we share a common cultural heritage and responsibility to protect our communities.

Yorubaland has too much to lose if insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and organised criminal elements are allowed to establish strongholds in our forests, highways, farms, schools, and communities.What is at stake is not merely territory. It is our economy, agriculture, commerce, investment climate, educational system, cultural heritage, freedom of movement, and the centuries-old values of enterprise, hospitality, dignity, and communal advancement for which the Yoruba people are globally respected.

A region living under fear cannot prosper.YDV therefore urges citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with constituted authorities while resisting attempts to profile innocent individuals or inflame ethnic tensions.Security must be pursued through justice, lawful institutions, strategic collaboration, and community resilience.

The Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) reiterates its commitment to serving as an advocacy-driven and policy-oriented pan-Yoruba think tank dedicated to promoting the wellbeing, security, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence of Yoruba people both at home and in the diaspora. The security and future of Yorubaland remain a collective responsibility that demands the commitment of all Yoruba sons and daughters.

Signed: Debo Adeniran

For: Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV)

Members: Ambassador Kunle Adeshokan, Alhaji Tunde Abioye, Ogbeni Kola Oluseye-Are, Alhaji Jubril Ogundimu, Kabiyesi Oba Olusola Olatunde, Ogbeni Francis Abayomi, Omooba Monday Atimiri, Alagba Dele Daramola, Ogbeni Funso Mojuba, Alagba Sola Omosola, and Alagba Abiodun.