The Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) core beliefs on security is that it is a right of all human beings. By such belief, we align with a recent information circulating on social media recently of American intelligence tips and warnings of a planned attack on some Southwest states in Nigeria.
Yoruba for Democratic Values is using this medium to sensitize residents of Sango, Ota, Akera, Alagbado crossing, Kollington, AIT, Ikola, Ayetoro,Owode, Atan, Ijoko and Itele axis to be very vigilant and report any strange movements to the authorities. Security agencies too should be on alert and proactive within those axis.
However, YDV is deeply concerned that the Southwestern part of the county is now being infiltrated by bandits. Suspected bandits on recently attacked the old National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing yet to be ascertained members of staff. This shows that there is need for more concerted efforts to combat their nefarious activities in the region.
We would also want to use this medium to commend the Federal government for the collaboration of the Nigeria military forces with the United States that led to the U.S airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto state and the subsequent mop up of various bandits’ domains in the country.
The government should ensure there is adequate control of foreign forces intervening in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the country so as to protect the country’s sovereignty and to reduce collateral damage that may occur during military operations on terrorist enclaves. We are also calling on the federal government to name the sponsors of terrorism being faced in the country today.
Furthermore, we are impressing it on the Ogun State government to urgently do something about the humongous abandoned Gateway Hotel premises at the toll gate area bordering Lagos and Ogun States. We are advising that the edifice should be put into good use like being repaired and turned to State NYSC camp, proposed Ogun State police residential Barracks or any good use that can benefit the state rather than rotting away and being the eyesore it is to the State’s aesthetic.
In the same vein the State and its security agencies should carry out a count of abandoned properties either private or state owned, and put such under constant security radar to forestall such being used as convergence point for criminals and terrorists.
YDV is informing and warning the Federal Government of the dangers of communal clashes with the recent springing up of strange settlements in Yoruba lands which operates outside the known and accepted norm of “Zangos” which was obtainable under the sociocultural arrangements of their primordial hosts and the constitutional authority of the government.
A recent example is the forceful taking over of a large expanse of forest land in Ejiba Town, Yagba; Okun land in Kogi State by some Fulani settlers and renaming the area with impunity as Nassarawa without recourse to the local community.
YDV is further informing the authorities of a strange pattern, that’s studied happening to Yoruba land. Thus, the areas being forcefully occupied recently in Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Yewa land bordering Republic du Benin, and Oke-Ogun axis are all within three hundred kilometres (300kms) thereabout to the centre of Lagos. This is a strange and strategic coincidence…it smells and tilt towards conscious maneuvers.
We would also use this medium to commend the federal government for strengthening Dangote refinery operations in the Southwestern part of Nigeria as the presence of the refinery would create direct and indirect employment for the people.
Finally, YDV supports the current efforts of the establishment of State police but urged an expedient constitutional actions for its realization. Policing supposed to be localized even further down to districts vigilantes to be coordinated by the local government to complement the State police.
We believe that with the recent Supreme Court pronouncement and practical support by the Presidency of local government financial autonomy will allow for funding of such local vigilantes with ease.
Yoruba for Democratic Values reaffirms its commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law.
