Banditry: We’re ready to deploy warriors – Gani Adams

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said if called upon by authorities, he can mobilise millions of warriors to confront banditry and insecurity ravaging parts of the South-West . Adams, who is also the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), said this while reacting to attacks across the South West. Speaking […]

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said if called upon by authorities, he can mobilise millions of warriors to confront banditry and insecurity ravaging parts of the South-West .

Adams, who is also the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), said this while reacting to attacks across the South West.

Speaking with Daily Trust, Adams expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the region, describing the activities of bandits and kidnappers as a dangerous form of guerrilla warfare capable of striking communities at any time.

His comment is coming amidst the recent wave of banditry in the region and the recent mass abduction of over 45 school pupils in a school in Orire Local Government Area of the State.

According to him, the fear among residents has continued to grow because criminals no longer operate only at night but attack markets, highways and communities in broad daylight.

“Bandits operate anytime. They can attack in the afternoon, at night, or at any convenient time. Just yesterday they stormed a market in Katsina and killed people in broad day light. What is happening now should concern every reasonable person,” he said.

The Yoruba leader revealed that for over two years, groups under his influence had sought collaboration with South-West governors and the federal government to strengthen local security architecture but had yet to receive a formal response.

He explained that about 14 groups with structures spread across Yorubaland were ready to support efforts aimed at reducing insecurity in the region.

“We have written letters to South-West governors and organised two world press conferences to remind them that we are ready to collaborate. We have capable groups on ground that can help reduce the security threat,” Adams said.

Recalling past operations involving the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Adams claimed the group had previously worked with security agencies to tackle criminal activities in parts of Lagos and neighbouring communities.

He cited incidents involving cult-related violence in Ikorodu, kidnappings and militant attacks where OPC members allegedly assisted security operatives in restoring peace.

Adams, however, noted that the organisation later reduced its direct involvement in security operations due to hostility from some security agencies that accused the group of taking over their responsibilities.

He stressed that the OPC would only fully return to active security operations through proper collaboration with government authorities and official security institutions.

“Before going into the issue of security, we must go to the authorities for collaboration,” he said.

Responding to claims that Yoruba people were reluctant to confront criminal elements, Adams defended the bravery of the Yoruba nation, insisting that history had repeatedly shown their courage and strategic approach to conflict.

He referenced the Nigerian civil war, the June 12 struggle and the Kiriji war as a few instances demonstrating the resilience and fighting spirit of the Yoruba people.

“Yoruba are not cowards. We plan carefully before involving ourselves in conflicts because we always try to reduce casualties among our people,” Adams said.

On whether the OPC and allied groups possess the capacity to confront bandits, Adams maintained that millions of members across the 14 groups could be mobilised if the need arose.

“It is not only OPC. We are talking about 14 groups with structures across Yorubaland. These are 14 groups that have seven million people in every part of Yorubaland. Aare Onakankafo is just the head of warrior. There’s no bird that flies without wing and there is no lion that moves without legs and there is no person that moves without eyes. We have groups, we have leaders and my only job is to coordinate them and sit down with them to strategise on how we would reduce this insecurity. We are ready if the authorities call for collaboration,” he added.