Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has raised the alarm that armed terrorists have occupied Kishi, a town North West of Oyo State, and the Old Oyo National Park.
Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, said the development posed great danger to the security of the South-West zone.
According to Adams, members of the armed groups have been involved in kidnapping and have also destroyed the people’s means of livelihood and access to forest resources.
He said, “The reports range from ceaseless kidnapping, rape and threat to lives of Yoruba people in the Oke Ogun area with Kishi as the present hub of terrorists’ attacks. It is my responsibility to alert the public and also the relevant authorities.”
He warned that the region was gradually becoming a haven for bandits and terrorists masquerading as herdsmen, stressing that the development must be nipped in the bud to prevent outbreak of violence.
Adams argued that the gathering of armed groups in the area would affect the stability of the entire South-West, which has the largest land mass of 28,454 square kilometers and listed as the 14th by size among the 36 states of the federation.
He further stated that the occupation of the land by armed groups constituted an assault on Yoruba heritage and civilisation.
“I have confirmed intelligence reports that the historic Kishi town has been ravaged by terrorists. Killing and kidnapping of over 100 people is frightening and worrisome,” Adams stated.