AYDM, an alliance of over 120 Pan-Yoruba groups, made this call in a statement issued on Wednesday, by AYDM General Secretary, Mr Popoola Ajayi, adding that security issues in the country had gone beyond what the people should expect only the government to solve.
The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has urged all the traditional monarchs and rulers in Yoruba land, Southwest Nigeria to create local security outfits in their respective communities to battle incessant cases of killings and kidnappings.
AYDM, an alliance of over 120 Pan-Yoruba groups, made this call in a statement issued on Wednesday, by AYDM General Secretary, Mr Popoola Ajayi, adding that security issues in the country had gone beyond what the people should expect only the government to solve.
The AYDM added that there are plans on grounds to hold the South West Security Summit soon.
"We are going to announce the date soon. AYDM is organising Security Summit. The resolutions will be a milestone," the statement said.
According to AYDM, one of the greatest issues affecting state governors is a lack of authority over security forces, which contradicts Federalism's ideals which Nigeria is operating.
The group strongly condemned the recent violent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State by bandits, as well as the despicable kidnapping of schoolchildren and their teachers in Emure Ekiti.
"Instead of spending money on parties and ceremonies, new cars and new wives, we urge the Obas to set up vigilante groups in their communities. The men should receive training in both intelligence gathering and unarmed combat.
“The alliance equally voiced deep worry about the increasing number of kidnappings in the Southwest region, urging governors to urgently strengthen and empower the Amotekun Security Network to weed out criminal elements in Yoruba land.”
AYDM added that Amotekun was constrained by a number of problems, including the recruitment of political aides, a lack of sufficient training, a lack of equipment, and a lack of insurance for members, all of which reduce their resolve to commit their efforts to the risky field of engaging heavily armed Fulani herders.
"The senseless and barbaric acts that claimed the lives of our revered traditional rulers in Ekiti State are not only an assault on the Yoruba heritage but also an affront to the sanctity of human life,” the statement reads.
The group expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by these tragic events and stands in solidarity with the entire Yoruba community during this difficult time.
The kidnapping of innocent school children and their teachers, according to AYDM is an egregious violation of the fundamental right to education and security.
AYDM condemned the act in the strongest terms possible and urged law enforcement agencies to do everything within their power to ensure the safe and swift rescue of the victims.
AYDM said it is alarmed by the rising incidents of kidnappings across the Southwest, which threatens the peace and harmony that the region is known for.
"We call on the Governors of the Southwest states to take immediate and decisive action to strengthen the Amotekun Security Network. The reinforcement of Amotekun will not only serve as a deterrent to criminal elements but will also enhance the security architecture of the region and Nigeria at large" Ajayi said.
The group asked the Governors to provide Amotekun with the necessary resources, training, and equipment to effectively combat criminal activities, collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers, and local communities to gather intelligence and enhance proactive measures against criminal elements.
It also called for the implementation of community-oriented policing strategies to foster a closer relationship between security forces and the local populace.
AYDM believes that a united and well-equipped Amotekun is crucial to the restoration of peace and security in Yorubaland. The alliance calls on all stakeholders, including community leaders, Yoruba Self-determination Groups, civil society organizations, and residents, to collaborate with the government in the collective effort to rid our region of criminal elements.
"We trust that swift and decisive actions will be taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people in the Southwest," the statement added.