Group Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity In South-West, Calls For Urgent Action

The Majeobaje Community Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation of professionals, academics, and business leaders committed to reviving the economic strength of Nigeria’s former Western Region, has issued a strong warning about the rising insecurity in South-West geopolitical zone, linking it to the spillover of terrorism from the northern parts of the country.

In a communique released after a general meeting held on April 6, 2025, and signed by the group’s chairman, Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, and secretary, Ayo Oyerinde, the group expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria and extended condolences to families nationwide affected by violent attacks.

“The catalogue of death and destruction rather than abating, has now become a malevolent curse on Nigeria,” the group lamented.

Citing a litany of tragic incidents ranging from the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, to the 2022 Owo church massacre, and most recently the lynching of passengers in Edo State and attacks in Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, the organisation called for an overhaul of the nation’s approach to security.

According to Majeobaje, the wave of violence previously confined to the northern parts of the country was fast infiltrating the former Western Region. The group attributed this to the displacement of terrorists from the North and neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali, who now “hide in our forests or, in plain sight, amongst their refugee kinsmen,” posing as commercial motorcycle operators, fruit vendors, or labourers.

While commending efforts by South-Western State governors to address the threat, particularly through initiatives like Amotekun Corps and Forest Guards, Majeobaje emphasised that “there is need for a greater sense of urgency and more resources for equipment.” The group also called for Amotekun to return to its original mission with coordinated efforts across all six South-Western states and stronger ties with neighbouring states.

The communique criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for being “still undermanned and underequipped” and highlighted their failure to prosecute herdsmen-related cases as a source of growing public distrust. “This perception may have contributed to mob lynching rearing its ugly head,” Majeobaje noted, while making a firm appeal to Nigerians: “mob lynching is NEVER an option.”

The group echoed long-standing calls by elder statemen, including Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), and incumbent DSS Director General, Dr. Tosin Ajayi, for the formal inclusion of hunters and vigilante groups in the nation’s security framework. They took issue with the ongoing ban on the issuance and renewal of firearms licences, arguing that it leaves hunters vulnerable. “The ban also puts the lives of our hunters in danger when supporting the security services to track terrorists, who are known to brazenly and freely carry AK-47 rifles,” they stated.

Calling on the Inspector-General of Police to lift the ban, Majeobaje warned that failure to do so may reinforce ethnic suspicions about the motives behind the policy.

Although the group acknowledged the Nigerian Military’s success in pushing back terrorists in various regions, they expressed disappointment over the lack of visible military activity in the South-West despite intelligence suggesting that terrorists are now hiding in the region.

In conclusion, the organisation resolved to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and political office-holders to advocate for responsible firearm ownership for qualified Nigerians. It also pledged to collaborate with security agencies to train communities on lawful responses to threats and to bolster grassroots security networks.