Yoruba Leaders Sound the Alarm Over Fulani Bandits Invasion

A prominent Yoruba leader, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has raised concerns about the growing threat of Fulani bandits in the Southwest region of Nigeria. Arisekola warned that the region is on the brink of a national disaster, citing the bandits’ increasing presence in Kwara, Kogi, and parts of Oyo states.

According to Arisekola, the bandits are being nurtured by northern politicians and sheltered by collaborators within the Yoruba community.

He alleged that some northern politicians have given cover and patronage to these criminals, emboldening them to occupy and displace local communities.

Arisekola noted that the Fulani bandits’ activities have led to a significant decline in security, with farmers and market vendors living in fear.

He called on Yoruba leaders to take immediate action to address the situation, warning that failure to do so could lead to devastating consequences.

The Yoruba leader also criticized some northern politicians for using rhetoric that justifies the bandits’ actions.

He cited a statement by Governor Bala Mohammed, who claimed that Fulanis do not have an ancestral home and can live anywhere, as an example of this kind of rhetoric.

Arisekola urged Yorubas to organize and defend their land, economy, and heritage.

He proposed several measures, including exposing and prosecuting collaborators, modernizing lawful defense, reclaiming the economy, and using the ballot box to vote out traitors.

The situation in the Southwest region demands urgent attention, and the call to action by Arisekola highlights the need for collective action to address the security challenges facing the region.

Yoruba leaders are being called upon to rally behind a united front to defend their people and their land. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be severe. It remains to be seen how the region will respond to this growing threat.