Popular preacher and former chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, spoke in an interview with The Nigerian Tribune about the security situation in the country, particularly the worsening insecurity in the South West due to rising cases of kidnapping, as well as the tendency to associate the problem with religion.
When asked about the points he recently listed as measures the Yoruba must take to avoid being overrun by bandits from the North, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold explained that one of the major concerns was the underutilised Old Oyo National Park. He described it as a vast forest area with very few wild animals, noting that it stretches towards the Benin Republic and passes through Saki, Kishi and Ogbomoso, linking Kwara State and parts of Niger State.
He stated that he had been warning for the past two years that if bandits intended to infiltrate the South West, they would most likely use that route because it connects to the Kainji Lake National Park, which in turn links to another national park in Borno State. According to him, the forest corridors provide an easy pathway for bandits to move across regions undetected. He added that they would not use the main roads but would instead travel through the forests on motorbikes.
Further talking, he said, “The abduction of the children and teachers in Oyo State is being used by terrorists to send a message to the Nigerian government and the international community, especially President Donald Trump of the United States, that despite military offensives and claims that they are being eliminated, they still exist and remain active.
“The government’s decision not to negotiate with them is understandable, but lives are at stake, and that makes the situation far more complicated.”