For about two decades, the northern part of the country has been ravaged by terrorism characterised by sacking of entire communities, mass killings, looting, destruction and kidnappings for ransom.

What was witnessed in the southern part occasionally was a pocket of kidnap for ransom.

Since last month when 39 students and pupils and seven of their teachers were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo state, Yorubaland has been thrown into turmoil.

In Oyo state, the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor, particularly around the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), has been regarded as a haven for terrorists. The area, characterised by dense forest cover and difficult terrain, has reportedly become a source of anxiety due to recurring incidents of criminal activity, including kidnappings and armed attacks.

Last month, two members of staff of CRIN were abducted, bringing the total number of reported kidnapping incidents in the area to three within three months.

The President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Sooko Oladotun Hassan, said: “There have been recurring security concerns along some routes traversing dense forest belts, including sections of the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, Ilesa–Ado Ekiti Road, Akure–Owo Road, and parts of the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, where incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks have been reported at various times.

“Likewise, forests stretching across parts of Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun States have occasionally featured in security reports concerning the activities of criminal gangs and kidnappers.

“The Yoruba Council Worldwide strongly advocates a comprehensive security architecture that combines federal security agencies, state-backed security outfits, local intelligence networks, traditional rulers, hunters, vigilante groups and community leaders.”

In Ogun State, strategic routes and forest corridors identified as potential entry points for criminal elements include the Abeokuta–Imeko axis through the Iwoye forest, the Badagry–Atan–Abeokuta–Sokoto road corridor, the Abeokuta–Olodo–Ibadan road, and sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, particularly around Ogunmakin village.

In Ondo state, 16 farmlands and forest reserves are said to have been taken over by criminal elements. Notorious hot spots include Ago-Daada, Ago-Oyinbo, and Ago-Ademekun farmlands in Akure North council area, where over 30 farmers and travellers have been murdered. The traditional ruler of Ahungha Village, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, was hacked to death inside his palace in a failed abduction bid.

The State commander of the Amotekun security outfit, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said: “We have had an upsurge of criminal activities. In the last week, we were able to arrest 32 suspects for kidnapping. We want to reassure residents of Ondo State that all security agencies were drafted to flush out these criminals from their hideouts.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa vowed to deal decisively with kidnappers, stating: “If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate business or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared.”

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, in an interview with its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, said: “The deteriorating situation has imposed severe hardship on farmers, travellers, rural communities and businesses. Vast stretches of forests have become hideouts for criminal gangs. Afenifere urges the Federal Government to establish an appropriate legal and operational framework through which credible volunteer groups, local security formations and other responsible informal organisations can assist in safeguarding our forests and rural communities.”

The Yoruba Council Worldwide added: “The focus should not be on who takes credit for confronting criminality but on achieving measurable results. Our people want safe roads, secure farms, peaceful communities and free movement. We call for intensified patrols along the identified flashpoints, sustained surveillance of forest reserves, improved intelligence sharing and technology-driven security solutions.”

A community leader, Mr Olufemi Elegbede, said community-based security initiatives could significantly enhance public safety, particularly in tackling kidnapping and banditry through improved local intelligence, community trust and rapid response mechanisms.

A political analyst and former state chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Hon Stephen Adewale, argued: “The offer by such groups should be treated with caution, but not with outright dismissal. It reflects a deeper frustration among local communities. However, forest security requires intelligence, lawful coordination, clear command structures, accountability, and cooperation with recognised security agencies.

Otherwise, what begins as community defence may degenerate into vigilantism.

“My view is that local knowledge is important. Hunters, forest guards, Amotekun, vigilante groups and community informants can play useful roles, but they must operate only within a lawful framework, under state supervision, and in collaboration with the police, DSS, NSCDC and other relevant agencies. Insecurity in the South-West should not be ethnicised, romanticised or politicised. It should be confronted firmly, lawfully and intelligently.”