Prominent Yoruba leaders and professionals under the platform of the Omo Oduduwa Collective have called for the immediate convening of an emergency security summit in the South-West, expressing concern over the worsening wave of kidnappings, violent attacks and other criminal activities across the region.

The group warned that the growing insecurity threatens lives, livelihoods and the overall stability of Yorubaland if urgent and coordinated action is not taken.

The appeal was contained in an open letter titled “Yorubaland Must Not Be Silent: Insecurity, Civic Responsibility, and the Imperative of Collective Action,” which was released on Thursday.

Among the signatories are the Convener of the group, Prof. Akinyemi Onigbinde; former senator and ex-presidential adviser, Babafemi Ojudu; human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi; ASUU leader, Dr. Adeolu Oyekan; Dr. Olasunkanmi Olapeju; Kazeem Olasupo; Samuel Arinloye; and Barrister Kayode Okenla.

The collective urged South-West governors, traditional rulers, lawmakers, security agencies, academics, labour unions, business leaders, religious bodies, youth organisations and other critical stakeholders to work together in addressing the deteriorating security situation across the region.

According to the group, incidents of kidnapping, attacks on travellers, violent crimes and the activities of criminal elements operating from forests have become more frequent, creating fear among residents, disrupting businesses and educational activities, and forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands.

The letter expressed concern over what it described as the absence of a strong, unified response from key Yoruba institutions despite the growing security challenges confronting the region.

It noted that although individuals and some organisations have spoken out, the South-West has yet to witness the level of coordinated civic engagement needed to effectively confront the crisis.

The group attributed the perceived silence of many influential stakeholders to political interests, arguing that partisan considerations have discouraged decisive public intervention at a time when collective action is urgently required.

It maintained that holding elected leaders accountable for addressing insecurity should not be interpreted as political opposition, stressing that citizens have a responsibility to support government efforts while demanding effective measures to protect lives and property.

The collective also warned against normalising persistent insecurity, saying societies often experience gradual decline when recurring threats are ignored or accepted as unavoidable.

As part of its proposals, the group recommended the immediate organisation of a Yoruba Security and Civic Renewal Summit to bring together governors, traditional rulers, lawmakers, security professionals, academics, labour leaders, business executives, civil society organisations, women and youth groups to develop a coordinated strategy for tackling insecurity across the South-West.

The group said such a summit would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to review the security situation, strengthen regional collaboration and agree on practical measures aimed at restoring safety and public confidence throughout Yorubaland.