Forum Warns Peace and Stability Face Growing Threat
The Southwest Youths Forum has raised concern over rising insecurity across the region.
The group warned that the Southwest’s long-standing reputation for peace and stability now faces serious threats.
According to the forum, insecurity has continued to spread across several states.
Criminal Activities Hit Multiple States
The group said banditry, kidnapping for ransom, farmer-herder clashes, and infiltration of criminal elements now affect communities across the zone.
These incidents have reportedly spread through Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos states.
As a result, residents now face growing fears over safety and stability.
Attacks Now Affect Daily Life
In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, team lead Olumide Fasubaa said the crisis has moved beyond distant threats.
He explained that insecurity now directly affects livelihoods, education, and public safety.
According to him, criminal activities have entered forests, highways, farmlands, and local communities.
Forum Warns of Wider Destabilisation
Fasubaa said the Southwest has long served as a major economic hub.
However, he warned that continued attacks could destabilise the region if urgent action is not taken.
He urged state governments to act quickly before the situation worsens.
Group Cites Recent Oyo Attack
The statement referenced a recent attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the forum, armed bandits reportedly killed a teacher during the incident.
The attackers also abducted pupils, students, and teachers from a school.
The group said such attacks show the growing danger in the region.
Governors Urged to Move Beyond Planning
The forum praised the Southwest Governors’ Forum for earlier security initiatives.
These included plans for a Regional Security Trust Fund and stronger intelligence sharing.
However, Fasubaa said the region now needs action, not just proposals.
He stressed that visible security improvements must reach communities.
Call for Stronger Security Structures
The group urged governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to fund regional security efforts.
It called for proper activation of the proposed Security Trust Fund.
The forum also demanded transparent accountability systems.
In addition, it urged stronger support for vigilantes, hunters, and community policing groups.
According to the group, these outfits need training, logistics, and legal backing.
Forum Seeks Better Collaboration
Fasubaa called for stronger inter-state cooperation on intelligence sharing.
He also urged better rapid response systems and tighter border security.
Furthermore, the group demanded stronger protection for schools, highways, and farmlands through patrols and surveillance.
Traditional Leaders, Youths Asked to Join Efforts
The forum called for deeper collaboration with traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society.
It said community-based security strategies remain important in fighting insecurity.
The group also renewed calls for state policing while using existing constitutional powers.
Youths Demand Decisive Action
Fasubaa said residents deserve a secure environment to live and work.
He stressed that insecurity reflects governance failures that require urgent attention.
The forum added that it is ready to work with governments and security agencies.
It warned that the time for half-measures has passed.
Therefore, it urged leaders to take decisive action to restore peace in the Southwest.
