In a recent interview with The Nigerian Tribune, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, a well-known preacher and former chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed his deep concern over the growing insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the Southwest. He highlighted the alarming increase in kidnapping cases that have been making headlines and pointed out the dangerous tendency to link these acts with religion.
When asked about the solutions he believes the Yoruba people should adopt to protect themselves from the threat of bandits from the northern part of the country, Sheikh Akeugbagold raised an important issue regarding the Old Oyo National Park. He described the park as a large forest area that is sadly underutilized and home to very few wild animals. This vast forest stretches all the way to the Benin Republic and connects various towns, including Saki, Kishi, and Ogbomoso, while also linking to parts of Kwara and Niger States.
He warned that for over two years, he has been alerting people to the risk of bandits using this woodland area to infiltrate the Southwest. This park is particularly significant because it connects to the Kainji Lake National Park, which further extends to another national park located in Borno State. The sheikh explained that these forest corridors serve as hidden paths, allowing bandits to move between regions without being noticed. Instead of sticking to the main roads where they could be easily caught, they prefer to travel through the forests on motorbikes.
Sheikh Akeugbagold also spoke about the recent kidnappings of children and teachers in Oyo State. He stated that these dreadful acts are designed by terrorists to send a strong message to the Nigerian government and the international community. He specifically mentioned former President Donald Trump of the United States, noting that despite military efforts and the government’s claims of making progress against these groups, the terrorists still exist and remain operational.While acknowledging the government’s decision to avoid negotiating with the criminals, Sheikh Akeugbagold highlighted that this stance has serious implications.
He stressed that the lives of innocent people are at risk, making the entire situation much more complicated. His message underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address the worsening insecurity that poses a significant threat to the people of the Southwest.
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