Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, has accused miners of hiding the terrorists and expressed concerns about the influx of northerners in Ilesha and Ile Ife due to mining activities.
Recall that the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) and other stakeholders had issued a stern warning to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists hibernating in the South-West region to leave immediately or face the consequences.
“We are worried over the influx of Boko Haram fighters in the South-West. We have discussed at the Aare-in-Council meeting, the OPC meetings and South-West Security Stakeholders’ group.
“The influx of northerners in Ilesha and Ile Ife is because of the mining activities going on there. We have seen camps of over 30,000 northerners around Ilesha and Ile Ife forests. They have created villages around there, but there are no Yoruba people living there. Unfortunately, most of the communities in Ilesha have been overrun by these mining activities. It is easy for the miners to hide Boko Haram and ISWAP members,” Adams said as quoted by Sunday Vanguard.
Adams also lamented the lack of cooperation from the South-West governors, stating: “I have written to the governors that I am ready to cooperate with them on the security of Yorubaland. All hands must be on deck on security matters. It is unfortunate that our political class play politics with the security of their States.”
Furthermore, Adams emphasized the need for synergy between the government and security stakeholders, saying: “We have the structure, the assets and some of the best brains who can be helpful to the South West. As far I am concerned, the ball is left in the court of the governors to do the needful.”
The Ogun State Government however noted it has activated its security assets and recruited 1,000 Amotekun corps to tackle the insecurity challenge.
The State’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the government has adopted a “multi-pronged approach” to address the rising insecurity.
In Ekiti State, the government has put Amotekun operatives on high alert and has increased their salary by 250%.
The Special Adviser on Security to Ekiti State Governor, General Ebenezer Ogundana, said the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
The YCE nontheless urged the South-West Governors to flush out the bandits, stating that the infiltration of terrorists into the region is a source of worry.
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