Gani Adams, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, has called on South-West governors to take immediate action to counter the increasing security risks posed by bandits penetrating their regions.

Adams made the call after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed concern that criminals escaping military operations in the North-West have penetrated Oyo State woodlands during Monday’s 2025 annual interfaith service in Ibadan.

Adams, who is also the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, issued a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday that was signed by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, and cautioned that the region may suffer greatly if Makinde’s disclosure was disregarded. Adams bemoaned the nation’s deteriorating security, pointing out that bandits are increasingly targeting the Southwest.

“All of the governors in the South-West should take note of the alert that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has raised,” he stated. Last year, I voiced similar worries, but nothing came of it. Unfortunately, the level of insecurity has only increased.

Under my direction, the OPC, Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, and other members of the South-West Security Stakeholders Group have been putting in a lot of effort to make sure the area is safe.

But now that Governor Makinde has raised the alarm, a more urgent and well-coordinated strategy is required to address the problem before it gets out of hand. Adams emphasized Oyo State’s significance as the political hub of the South-West and cautioned that any security lapse in the state might have repercussions for the whole area. As the political hub of the South-West, Oyo State will surely have an impact on the entire area, he stated.

“I implore all governors in the South-West to maintain their vigilance and swiftly solve the security issues in their states.” “The moment to act is now,” Adams added, offering to work with state governments to fortify the security architecture.