The Isese Welfare Association (IWA), on Friday, called on the South-West Governors and all relevant security authorities to formally integrate traditional indigenous security protections and intelligence systems as prescribed in Ifa and upheld by legitimate traditional practitioners to nip in the bud insecurity across the region.
IWA, in a statement released by its National Coordinator, Aderemi Ifaolepin Aderemi (Olúwo Ifáòleèpin), in Ibadan, condemned the recent wave of kidnappings, school abductions, and killings across Yorubaland.
It described the recent killings and abduction of school children in Oriire Local Government Area of the state as heinous acts, assault on the people of Yorubaland, the children, the culture, and the sanctity of life that their ancestors held sacred.
Scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, last Friday around 9:30 a.m.
IWA, popularly known as Isese Assembly, said the abduction of innocent students and the killing of community members in places like Oriire Local Government and other parts of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and beyond are no longer isolated incidents.
The association said, “What we are witnessing is a dangerous new pattern that threatens the peace, unity, and survival of the Yoruba nation. The silence and inaction in the face of this menace is no longer acceptable. We acknowledge the efforts of security agencies, but it is clear that conventional approaches alone have not stemmed the tide. At this critical moment, Yorubaland must look inward and mobilize every resource at its disposal to defend its people.
“IWA stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and all communities under siege. We condemn these acts of violence without reservation and demand the immediate rescue of all abducted persons and the prosecution of perpetrators. We call on the Governors of the South-West states and all relevant security authorities to formally integrate traditional indigenous security protections and intelligence systems as prescribed in Ifa and upheld by legitimate traditional practitioners.
“Our ancestors maintained peace and security in Yorubaland for centuries through a combination of spiritual vigilance, communal intelligence, and organised defense. These systems, when properly guided and regulated, complement modern policing and can help identify, deter, and neutralize threats before they escalate.
“The time for division and silence is over. We urge traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders, and security stakeholders to set aside differences and work in genuine cooperation. The safety of our people must supersede politics and personal interests. Schools, farms, and sacred groves must be declared protected zones.”
The association further called for immediate, visible security presence and community-based vigilance structures in vulnerable areas.
It added, “Yorubaland is not a land of cowards. Our history is one of courage, wisdom, and resilience. We cannot afford to hand over our land and our future to criminals and merchants of violence.
“IWA remains committed to peace, justice, and the preservation of Yoruba religion, culture and traditional values. We will continue to advocate for solutions that honour both our heritage and our present realities.
“May the divinities and ancestors grant wisdom to our leaders, strength to our people, and peace to our land.”
The PUNCH