The Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to empower traditional rulers with security votes and logistics support to prevent further encroachment of bandits into Yorubaland.
The monarch made the call while condemning the bandit attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele area of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
No fewer than 45 pupils and teachers were abducted in the attack, which occurred on May 15.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, has reportedly been beheaded by the terrorists, according to a viral video.
Oluwo, in a statement issued on Monday by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, suggested the provision of security votes, security vehicles, and other logistics to enhance the coordination of local security outfits and improve security surveillance in Yorubaland.
He stated that such empowerment could commence with first-class traditional rulers.
The monarch said palaces were always the first point of contact whenever the security of a town was threatened, urging the government to strengthen monarchs for a swift response to security breaches in their respective communities.
Akanbi disclosed that Iwo had many paramilitary groups working with the police to prevent bandit invasion, but lacked government support.
He also called on Yoruba stakeholders and South-West governors to harmonise their interests to ensure Yorubaland was not infiltrated by bandits.
The monarch urged South-West governors to invite traditional rulers and summon all security forces for a collaborative dialogue on ways to repel bandit attacks in Yorubaland.
The statement partly read, “The bandit attack in Ahoro-Esinele area of Oriire Local Government of Oyo State is condemnable. It’s a heinous act against humanity. It was a complete desecration of Yorubaland and its heritage.
“I call on President Bola Tinubu to add another credit to his achievements by ensuring traditional rulers are empowered to secure their respective domains through the provision of necessary support and logistics.
“The government, most especially our governors, must brace up to curtail further encroachment and bandit attacks on Yorubaland.”
The government has to empower traditional rulers with security votes and other logistics support because they are always the first point of contact.
“For example, in Iwo, I have paramilitary personnel working with the police and other official security outfits to curtail crime, fight criminals, and carry out both day and night surveillance, but there is no support.
“An emergency meeting of Yoruba stakeholders is a necessity. Our governors should harmonise their interests, invite and promote synergy among security outfits to protect Yorubaland and fight the common enemy.
“Provision of logistics for the monarchs will hasten response from the palace, which is usually the first point of contact in distress calls. Yoruba monarchs must also be vigilant.
“All monarchs must improve surveillance in their respective palaces,” he said.
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