Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has declared his willingness to confront bandits operating in forests across the South-West region of Nigeria, provided he receives authorization from the government.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Igboho expressed deep concern over the continued attacks on residents of the South-West by bandits and rogue herders, including incidents of killings, rape, and destruction of farmlands. He lamented the suffering of innocent farmers and vowed to take action to protect his people if given the green light.
“I can no longer stand by and watch as bandits and herdsmen attack, rape, and kill my people who are simply trying to make a living through farming and other legitimate means,” Igboho said. He emphasized his readiness to defend South-West communities from the increasing threat posed by criminal elements hiding in forests and villages across the region.
“I will go after the bandits and herdsmen lurking in the forests and some communities in the South-West, provided the government gives me the go-ahead. It is my duty to protect my kinsmen from such heinous acts,” he asserted.
Igboho criticized the violence inflicted on innocent farmers, describing it as “callous and unjustifiable.” He called on the government and other relevant stakeholders to take decisive action to ensure the safety of citizens. “Government and other relevant stakeholders must rise to the occasion to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people,” he said.
Sunday Igboho is no stranger to activism and has been vocal about protecting Yoruba communities from perceived threats. His advocacy for the Yoruba Nation and his efforts to combat insecurity have made him a prominent figure in the South-West. Igboho’s previous actions against rogue herders in Oyo State earned him widespread support, but they also drew criticism from some quarters for allegedly taking the law into his own hands.
With the rising insecurity across Nigeria, Igboho’s statement has reignited discussions about community-based security initiatives and the role of activists in addressing the challenges posed by banditry and violent herders.
As calls for improved security continue to mount, Igboho’s willingness to engage directly with bandits could spark debates over the balance between grassroots security efforts and the role of formal government authorities. Whether the government will respond to his request for permission remains to be seen, but his statement underscores the frustration and determination of many local leaders in the face of escalating insecurity.
