The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the rising wave of insecurity in Benue, Plateau, and Ondo states.
Adams made the call while delivering his keynote address at the grand finale of the 2025 Eledumare Festival held in Lagos.
Expressing concern over the recent killings and kidnappings in the affected states, he specifically condemned the activities of armed herders, who are suspected to be behind the attacks. He warned that continued silence from the government would not only worsen the humanitarian crisis but also damage investor confidence and threaten food security.
“We cannot allow political interests to override national security,” he said. “The government must act now. These states play a vital role in Nigeria’s food production, and the crisis gives an impression of instability that chases away investors.”
Adams stressed that the time to act is now, urging the Federal Government to take decisive steps to safeguard lives and properties.
The call comes amid heightened violence in the North-Central region. In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia recently confirmed that 598 lives have been lost in fresh attacks, during a visit by National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Similarly, in Plateau State, over 100 persons have been killed in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs in the past few weeks, prompting protests led by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
In Ondo State, gunmen believed to be herdsmen reportedly killed more than 20 farmers in Akure North Local Government Area, raising fears among residents and farmers.
