The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, says insecurity is growing across the country because the Federal Government and security agencies are ethnicising security issues.
Adams, who doubles as the Leader of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), stated this in an interview with Saturday Sun.
He spoke against the backdrop of the detention and eventual release of three OPC members involved in the arrest of alleged Fulani warlord, Iskilu Wakili in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State.
Adams said that with growing insecurity, the security agencies appear overwhelmed.
He said they should appreciate the complementary efforts of groups like OPC instead of continuing to vilify them.
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Lamenting the growing insecurity, Adams said, “I am particularly worried over how our once peaceful region – the South West is now experiencing this level of insecurity. The burden is now on us. I strongly believe that we don’t deserve this ugly situation that we have found ourselves in.
“You will agree with me that most of the crimes that are in this region are being carried out by foreigners. These were the people who came to the region for their normal business but now turned to criminals.
“At the same time, the government, the authorities and security agencies are not helping matters at all. For instance, what happened in Kajola area of Ayete in Ibarapaland, Oyo State, over the arrest of Iskilu Wakili, by our OPC men, is an eye-opener to all of us. We might not have a deep understanding of what is happening in the northern part of Nigeria, but this happened right before us.
“It is clear that the Nigerian security is not ready to protect its citizens. Nigeria security and the government are playing politics and an ethnic card on the issues of security. This is very dangerous. And if care is not taken, this might lead the country to war.”
The Aare Ona Kakanfo debunked rumour that some South-West governors were not supporting the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun).
He explained that even when Amotekun Corps was launched to help combat insecurity in the region, the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) refused to permit the corps operatives to carry arms.
According to him, the Federal Government alone cannot solve the problem of insecurity.
“We cannot continue like this if we must continue to live together as one country.
“Necessary collaboration must be pursued with organisations and agencies that genuinely mean well for the safety of Nigerians and their property,” Adams said.