Agbekoya Farmers Society of Nigeria has disclosed that it has deployed hundreds of its members to various villages and communities in Oyo State to tackle the menace of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
The group made this known at the end of its emergency security meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday.
DAILY POST gathered that tension has gripped some residents of Oyo State following an alarm raised over the movement of a notorious wanted man in Saki, in the Oke Ogun geopolitical zone of the state.
Insecurity: Fear grips Oyo residents as man on Ogun wanted list is sighted
The wanted suspect was reportedly sighted in the town a few days ago, causing serious tension in parts of the state.
Agbekoya, however, revealed that it has taken steps to deploy some of its members to identified locations to combat rising insecurity.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Deacon Olatunji Bandele, and the Oyo State Governor of the group, High Chief Olatunde Bello Ashagidigbi, Agbekoya expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity across the country, particularly the recent attacks in Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, and Borno States.
The group explained that the deployment of its trained security personnel to selected villages and communities identified as flashpoints in Oyo State is to prevent similar tragedies.
It stated that the personnel will collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The group also urged Southwest governors to intensify efforts to secure lives and property in their respective states, emphasizing that citizens are increasingly anxious and in need of reassurance.
“Agbekoya condemns the breakdown of Nigeria’s security architecture, which has exposed our villages, communities, and schools to attacks by suspected bandits and criminal herdsmen. In the last few weeks alone, the country has witnessed disturbing incidents of mass abductions and killings.
“At a time like this, proactive leadership and stronger collaboration between government and communities are crucial. As a grassroots-based farmers’ organisation committed to protecting farmers and farmlands, Agbekoya Farmers Society of Nigeria is ready to partner with security agencies in Oyo State to safeguard rural communities,” the communique added.