The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has accused governors in the South-West of refusing to collaborate with him and other voluntary organisations willing to tackle insecurity in the region.

Mr Adams’ statement came days after suspected bandits kidnapped scores of schoolchildren and killed a teacher in Ahoro-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a Channels TV interview on Tuesday, he stated, “I have written to governors that there is a need for collaboration on insecurity. All hands must be on deck on this ugly issue. For the past two years, they didn’t reply me.”

Mr Adams, who condemned the incident as unfortunate, alleged that several states in the region, had been infiltrated by terrorists.

He added, “What happened in Oriire two days ago is sad and highly condemnable. We have had series of kidnapping in different states but we have not witnessed mass kidnapping in Yorubaland. And that shows that Yoruba people and South West must prepare for this issue of insecurity 

“I have been reasoning that we have been seriously infiltrated. Precisely November last year, I mentioned four states criminals have infiltrated. I mentioned Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states. There was a time I also practically mentioned Ogun State.”

Noting that he had limited power in the security architecture of the country, Mr Adams stressed the need for effective collaboration between the government and voluntary organisations to address the challenges.

“But as the Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, I have limited power to involve in the security architecture of our country, especially the Yorubaland. It is very important to collaborate so that we can be used in intelligence gathering. 

“With the mass followership that we have, these voluntary organisations can help the government on this issue. I don’t know why they refused. And people continue to put the blame on me,” he stated.

Contacted for comments on the issue, Gboyega Akosile, spokesperson for the Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said he was unaware of such development.

“I have not got any statement from the governor. I am not disputing what Aare Onakakanfo said. But I am not aware of anything like that,” Mr Akosile stated.

Rampaging terrorists continue to kill and abduct in several states communities across the country, prompting citizens to call on the government for urgent help to tackle the issue.