OPC Leader Gani Adams Urges United Response To Kidnappings And Killings Across Yoruba States Before Crisis Worsens

 

Oodua House, Ikeja, Lagos, became the center of urgent security discussions as Oodua People’s Congress leader, Adams, sounded a stark warning about what he described as an existential threat to the Yoruba population. Addressing journalists, Adams stressed that over 60 million inhabitants in Yorubaland and parts of Edo and Delta states face unprecedented danger if swift action is not taken.

He highlighted the scale and gravity of the menace, noting that criminal elements have infiltrated forests and are reportedly preparing to invade towns and cities. “These are perilous times in Yorubaland. From Kogi to Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, parts of Edo and Delta states, the ominous signs are there. Merchants of death have surrounded the more than 60 million inhabitants,” Adams said. He warned that these armed groups, described as bloodthirsty maniacs, are waiting for signals from foreign sponsors to wreak havoc on the region and seize ancestral lands.

Questioning Nigeria’s capacity to handle the crisis alone, Adams welcomed international assistance, particularly from the United States. He cited former President Donald Trump’s proposed intervention against terrorists targeting both Christians and Muslims, arguing critics of the plan misunderstand its intent. Adams recalled a 2020 operation where American forces rescued a kidnapped citizen, killing six perpetrators, illustrating the potential effectiveness of foreign collaboration.

Highlighting recent intelligence reports, he stressed that terrorists are mobilizing to move from forests into urban centers. “This is the time for all Yoruba to be vigilant and be on the alert. This should be done effectively through our local intelligence gathering mechanism because this monster must be fought by all,” he said. The OPC leader emphasized the need for an intelligence-driven response, warning that failure to act promptly could result in a rapid escalation of attacks.

Adams drew attention to the rising wave of violence, including the assassination of prominent traditional rulers such as Major General Segun Aremu (rtd), the Olukoro of Koro in Kwara State, and Oba Israel Adeusi of Ifon, Ondo State. He further highlighted a spate of kidnappings and killings, citing the August 2025 Babanla incident in Kwara State, where 36 people were killed and 20 villages displaced, alongside the abduction of 25 female students in Kebbi State.

He also criticized the government’s lack of action despite prior warnings to Yoruba governors about criminal infiltration. To address the threats, Adams proposed a Southwest Security Summit bringing together traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, herders, business owners, and security agencies. He stressed that the perpetrators’ high financial gains from kidnappings make the menace more challenging but argued that proactive and intelligent measures could curb the spread of violence.

Urging immediate action from both government and citizens, Adams concluded, “The principal task of security agencies is to defend the state against threats to its national security. Oodua a gbe wa o. Ile Yoruba ko ni baje o.” His comments underscored a call for unity, vigilance, and decisive measures to protect lives and preserve the stability of the Yoruba region.