Debo Adeniran
Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) on weekend condemned recent remarks attributed to former U.S. President, Donald Trump that described a “genocide” against Christians in Nigeria and warned of a possible foreign invasion to “put an end to terrorism and banditry.”
In a statement signed by Debo Adeniran, Convener of YDV, ithe groupdoes not dispute the seriousness of Trump’s comments but argued that attributing the violence solely to religious identity “does a disservice to the full complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, which affect many communities, Christians and Muslims alike.
“We strongly condemn any form of mass violence against innocent civilians, regardless of religion,” the group said, adding that any credible evidence of large‑scale targeting should be thoroughly investigated.
YDV also rejected any external military intervention as a “quick fix” for Nigeria’s security problems, warning that such action could undermine sovereignty and deepen existing tensions. ¹
At the same time, YDV commended the Nigerian federal government and its armed forces for the “renewed vigor” with which they are tackling insurgency, banditry and terrorist hideouts, noting recent successful strikes against bandit camps as a “commendable commitment to restoring security.” ¹
However, the group expressed deep concern that the current onslaught against bandits has not yet reached parts of the Southwest, where states such as Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun are experiencing a troubling uptick in criminal activity.
In Ondo State, Fulani bandits have reportedly attacked Akure South, Akure North, Dada, Owo and Akoko, and kidnappings have been reported in Ore. In Kwara, bandits are said to be operating in forests between Isanlu‑Isin Olla, Omu‑Aran (Igbo Osa), Idofin‑Osi (Oke Era) near Kogi, and between Oke‑Ode‑Igbaja and Oke Oyan. ¹
YDV praised the regional Amotekun Corps for increasing patrols and border surveillance but warned that without sustained federal support and a coordinated security strategy, bandits could entrench themselves in Southwest forest reserves, heightening risks for local communities.
The group highlighted the economic stakes, noting that the region’s farmlands produce staples such as yam, cassava, plantain and rice, and that bandit incursions are already forcing some farmers to abandon their fields, threatening food production and the region’s economic wellbeing.
In its urgent calls, YDV urged the federal government and the Nigerian Armed Forces to prioritize focused operations in the Southwest to flush out bandits, illicit herding networks and criminal elements; to strengthen Amotekun with more personnel, intelligence‑sharing frameworks, logistical support and technology; to promote community engagement and early‑warning systems; and to protect farmlands and infrastructure.
The group also stressed the need to maintain national unity and avoid sectarian framing, saying crimes against any Nigerian—Christian, Muslim or otherwise—are unacceptable.
