By Sayo Alagbe
The Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation affecting several communities in the South-West, as well as parts of Kwara and Kogi states.
In a statement issued by the Director of Culture and Public Relations, Ademola Adeniyi-Kukulaja, the palace highlighted reported incidents in communities across Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states, including Akure North in Ondo State; Ifelodun Local Government Area communities of Adanla, Oke-Ode, Omugo, and Oro-Ago; Oyun LGA (Ira); Oke Ero LGA (Eruku) in Kwara State; Egbe axis in Kogi State; and Ikole LGA in Ekiti State.
The palace cited another violent attack in Ondo State on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as further evidence of the growing insecurity in the affected regions.
According to preliminary reports, armed assailants invaded Igushin community in the Ala area of Akure on Thursday night, firing indiscriminately. A woman and her daughter were reportedly killed inside their home during the attack.
The attackers, suspected to be kidnappers, were said to have stormed the community with the intention of abducting residents before opening fire. The deceased woman was reportedly a poultry farmer.
The palace noted that the latest incident adds to a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks, kidnappings, and killings recorded in recent months across communities in the South-West, Kwara, and Kogi states.
It stated that despite repeated protests by residents calling for urgent government intervention, the violence has continued, increasing fear and insecurity among citizens.
The Alaafin described the developments as a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and the stability of affected communities, while extending condolences to the victims and bereaved families.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and governments at all levels, the palace said the current situation requires immediate reinforcement, stronger coordination, and expanded security operations, especially in vulnerable rural and farming communities.
It called for the rapid deployment of security personnel to troubled areas, improved intelligence gathering, real-time information sharing, sustained operations to deter further attacks, and closer collaboration with local communities.
The palace also stressed that traditional institutions must take a more proactive role, given their closeness to the grassroots and their capacity to support intelligence gathering, community mobilisation, and conflict prevention.
As part of efforts to address the challenge, the Alaafin directed the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, to begin wide-ranging consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders across vulnerable and adjoining communities.
According to the palace, the initiative is aimed at establishing practical, community-based support systems to complement formal security structures, particularly in intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms.
The Alaafin maintained that all interventions must be pursued within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in alignment with lawful security operations.
The palace also referenced recent consultations with the paramount traditional ruler of Jebba, Oba Adebara, in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing them as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security coordination.
It urged authorities at all levels to maintain constant and transparent communication with affected communities, noting that visible leadership and timely information are critical to preventing panic and building trust.
Citizens were also encouraged to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, while community vigilance structures were urged to operate responsibly to improve early threat detection.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability, the palace said the right of every citizen to live in safety and security remains non-negotiable and requires urgent collective action involving government, security agencies, and community institutions.
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