Odua Peoples Congress, Agbekoya, Hunters Group, Isokan Ile Yoruba, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Ibarapa Group, and Community Society Awareness Initiative have expressed readiness to defend Yorubaland against invasion by killer herdsmen.
In a communique issued after their meeting on Friday in Lagos, the groups, under the aegis of South-West Security Stakeholders, asked Obas and traditional leaders of Yorubaland to inform them of any invasion in their domain.
A copy of the communique made available to our correspondent by Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, Special Assistant on Media to Are Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Adams, on Friday.
The groups also expressed their support for Amotekun in the region.
Part of the communique read, “The meeting reviewed recent security concerns in the nation generally and Oodua land in particular.
“The meeting shared the concern of the people in general and prominent Nigerians especially about the security situation in the land.
“The meeting noted the exasperation inherent in the statement of Chief of Defence Staff of the nation calling on Nigerians to defend themselves. This is clearly an official endorsement of self-defence.
“The meeting feared the situation if not addressed signals a grievous national crisis. The meeting, therefore, called on the government to quickly arrest the apparent descent into anarchy.
“The meeting aligned with the call of the governors of South-West that President Muhammadu Buhari should prove his innocence in the carnage being perpetrated by herders by not only unambiguously condemning the nefarious acts but also take clear steps to exterminate it.
“The meeting stressed the point that multinational states such as Nigeria must be built on respect for different human components making up the sovereign nation.”
“The meeting re-emphasised the call for a return to pure federalism, which was the political arrangement leaders of the nation endorsed by leaders of the nation at independence. This will allow various nations in the country to take proper control of their affairs including security.
“Meanwhile, the meeting urged Obas and traditional leaders of Yorubaland not to hesitate to invite any of the groups listed above in the event of any threat to the security of every Yorubaman by invading groups anywhere in our land.”
Among those who attended the meeting are Mr Yinka Odumakin, Gbonka Gboyega Adejumo, Bashorun Akin Osuntokun, Sola Lawal, and Chief Olumuyiwa Okunowo.
Credit: Punch