By Olayinka Ajayi

The National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America, also known as Egbe Omo Yoruba, has urged Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other South West governors to engage all security architecture to ensure the kidnapped children and teachers are set free by their abductors.

The elite Yoruba group, while standing with the families of the abducted children in Ogbomoso, prayed for the safe return of the innocent children.

In a communiqué by its executives after an emergency executive council meeting on the recent security breakdown in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the group expressed deep disappointment over what it described as an “overwhelming sense of betrayal over the worsening insecurity across Yorubaland, particularly the recent terrifying incidents and kidnapping of innocent elementary school students in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.”

According to the group, “The disturbing occurrence has again revealed the glaring weaknesses in the governance and coordination of security in the Southwest region.

“It is unacceptable that, in a region famed for peace, education, and development, children cannot go to school without fear of being kidnapped.

“We are alarmed at the attitude and complacency of the Southwest governors and the governor of Oyo State, who is expected by his constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property in the state. Our people are beginning to lose faith and confidence in their political leadership as regards providing adequate security for them. 

There have been numerous occurrences of kidnapping, killing, invasion of rural communities, and attack on schools which have become unacceptable. Children represent the future of any society or nation, and the inability to protect them from any form of kidnapping represents a society on the brink of moral and political bankruptcy.

“We therefore urge the governor of Oyo State to take immediate steps to mobilize whatever security resources he has in order to guarantee the unconditional release of the kidnapped children.

“Southwest governors should put away their political slogans and begin to establish a regional security strategy and mechanism which will effectively deal with kidnapping, banditry, and criminal elements operating in our various communities.

“Establishment of the Amotekun Security Agency without enough security gadgets is akin to sacrificing our people for political mileage.

“Traditional rulers and community leaders should put aside their party affiliations and call to book their political appointees for dereliction of duty in matters of security.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria should stop using the Southwest region as a political playground to its advantage by failing to provide adequate security for our citizens.

“Serious and effective steps should be taken towards the establishment of state police.”

The group called on Yoruba people globally to unite, be vigilant, and proactive in demanding competent political leadership and responsible governance, saying, “The safety of our children, families, and communities must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience or incompetence.”