Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and end the continued killings and violence taking place in Benue, Plateau, and Ondo states. In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Adams expressed deep concern over the rising spate of attacks, mostly attributed to suspected armed herders and bandits, which have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced in recent months.
Gani Adams, a prominent Yoruba traditional leader and socio-political activist, emphasized that the persistent violence in these regions reflects a dangerous level of insecurity that the federal government can no longer afford to ignore.
“You Can’t Turn a Blind Eye” – A Call to Duty
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Adams said the situation requires urgent and decisive action, warning that silence or slow response from the federal government could further embolden criminal elements.
“You cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening in Benue, Plateau, and Ondo. The killing of innocent Nigerians, mostly farmers and women, is a national tragedy. It is heartbreaking to see bloodshed becoming a routine in these communities,” Adams said.
He added that the current crisis in the Middle Belt and parts of the South-West, especially in Ondo State, demands more than mere condemnation. He urged Tinubu to move beyond rhetoric and take visible steps toward restoring order and justice.
Farmers, Villages Under Siege
In recent weeks, fresh attacks have rocked various communities in Benue and Plateau, with gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen invading villages, killing residents, burning houses, and displacing scores. In Benue State, the Gwer West and Logo Local Government Areas have suffered repeated raids, leaving dozens dead.
Similarly, Plateau State has recorded multiple attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, and Riyom, with reports of schools and churches being targeted. Ondo State, particularly in rural communities around Ose and Akure North LGAs, has also witnessed increasing cases of kidnappings and farm invasions.
“These attacks are deliberate and systematic. It is not just about land disputes—it is terrorism against the rural populace. People can no longer go to their farms, and hunger is looming,” Gani Adams warned.
A National Security Emergency
The Yoruba leader called on President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to deploy a well-coordinated military response that will secure rural communities and dismantle armed groups operating under various guises. He further advocated for the creation of regional security frameworks backed by constitutional authority.
Adams stressed that relying solely on federal policing has failed to address the scale of violence across states, adding that Nigeria’s current security infrastructure is overstretched and insufficient for the rising insecurity challenges.
“We need regional security architecture that works. The time to decentralize security has come. We cannot pretend that the status quo is working—it is not,” he said.
He also urged the National Assembly to expedite legislation that would allow for the establishment of state and community policing systems.
Sympathy for Victims and Displaced Persons
Adams expressed sympathy with victims and families affected by the violence. He called on humanitarian agencies, both local and international, to provide relief to internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced to flee their homes due to the attacks.
According to humanitarian organizations operating in Benue and Plateau states, more than 300,000 people have been displaced since the start of the year, many of whom are living in makeshift camps with limited access to food, water, and healthcare.
“The pain of losing one’s home or family member in such brutal circumstances is unbearable. Government must show compassion not only by words but by protecting and resettling these people,” Adams said.
Political Leadership and Responsibility
Gani Adams also took a swipe at political leaders in affected states and at the federal level, saying that many have failed to show adequate leadership or empathy. He cautioned that history would not be kind to leaders who allowed their people to suffer due to negligence or political calculations.
He urged President Tinubu to take a firm and unbiased position on the security crisis, adding that tribal, religious, or political considerations should not interfere with the need to protect every Nigerian life.
“This is a test of leadership. We supported Tinubu because we believed in his capacity to lead. Now is the time for him to show courage. The killings must stop,” he declared.
Conclusion
As violence continues to displace and destroy rural communities in Benue, Plateau, and Ondo states, Gani Adams’ voice joins a growing chorus of leaders, activists, and citizens demanding urgent action. His message to President Tinubu is clear: the time to act is now.
The federal government is expected to respond with comprehensive strategies, including deploying security forces, addressing root causes of the conflict, and fostering peace and justice in affected areas. The hope remains that the cries of the people will no longer fall on deaf ears, and that Nigeria can finally begin to heal from the wounds of insecurity and violence.
