By Adebayo Samson
ILORIN — The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, calling for urgent measures to safeguard rural and border communities from escalating threats.
The monarch made the call during a high-level meeting with Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, warning that continued neglect of vulnerable areas could trigger a broader security crisis.
According to a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin stressed that protecting rural communities must be treated with the same urgency as securing major cities.
He advocated stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence sharing, and proactive engagement with local communities to establish effective early warning systems and prevent attacks.
The royal father highlighted the importance of grassroots intelligence, noting that while communities possess valuable local knowledge, the government holds the authority and operational capacity to act making their collaboration critical in tackling insecurity.
He warned that only a consistent and visible security presence, backed by rapid response mechanisms, can reassure citizens and restore confidence in government protection.
“The safety of rural and border communities must command the same seriousness as that of major cities.
Government must deepen intelligence gathering and preventive intervention,” he said.
The Alaafin also emphasised the need to dismantle criminal networks, noting that security threats are often organised and should be proactively disrupted within the law.
He further called for clear and sustained communication between government, affected communities, and traditional rulers to strengthen public trust and reduce panic during crises.
Accompanied by a delegation of prominent traditional rulers and members of the Oyo Mesi, the monarch reiterated his solidarity with Yoruba communities in Kwara, warning against allowing criminal elements to overrun ancestral lands.
“Terror must not violate our farms, markets, places of worship, or the dignity of our daily lives,” he added.
Despite his concerns, the Alaafin commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his efforts in protecting lives and property, describing his leadership as proactive and visionary.
In his response, AbdulRazaq praised the monarch’s patriotism and commitment to national unity, assuring that the concerns raised would receive due attention.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to combat banditry and terrorism, while also highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of traditional institutions, which he described as a critical pillar of governance at the grassroots.
The governor noted that traditional rulers often play quasi-executive, legislative, and judicial roles within their communities, making them indispensable partners in maintaining peace and security.
He assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with traditional institutions in addressing security challenges across Kwara.
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