OPC President, Dare Adesope raises alarm over rising insecurity in S’West

BY AJIBADE ALABI

Amid rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent attacks in parts of South-West Nigeria, Ambassador Dare Adesope, Oodua People’s Congress leader, has tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; to prioritise security in the region by equipping local security outfits like the ‘Oodua People’s Congress reformed’.

Adesope while addressing the press on Thursday said states like Ondo, Oyo, and Ogun have witnessed a recent surge in insecurity, especially along highways and remote villages, leaving residents in fear and economic activities disrupted.

Speaking further on the matter, as a security advocate, he said, “The federal security agencies are overstretched. The OPC (R) have the grassroots advantage, but they lack adequate weapons, training, and logistics to operate effectively.”

Yoruba people in Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti are being oppressed on their own soil, he say the police force is trying its best but OPC (R) members can complement their efforts because they are more familiar with their communities like the back of their palms and can fish criminals out from hideouts.

He emphasised, his members have deep-rooted connections with their people. understands their terrain, language, and the hidden dynamics of their communities, making them valuable assets in tackling local threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

According to him, many stakeholders believe that supporting local security outfits with proper legislation, funding, and modern equipment will complement federal efforts and enhance quick response to threats what they need

“As a Yoruba son, President Tinubu is being urged to show leadership by ensuring that the South-West does not slide into lawlessness.”

The OPC boss also warned that ignoring these warning signs may escalate the crisis beyond control if urgent steps are not taken, he also emphasised on the urgent need to recognize and formally include traditional rulers in the nation’s security architecture. As custodians of culture and community leadership, traditional rulers have long played a stabilizing role in local conflict resolution, intelligence gathering, and peacekeeping.

Sadly, the traditional rulers have limited themselves to party affairs in recent times, with limited involvement in formal decision-making on security.

“I advise our royal fathers to stay united in this sensitive period and team up to face this insecurity that is ravaging their territories.  We, members of OPC reformed are ready to defend our people but we shall need their support because they can enjoy their acquired wealth only when there is peace”.