Rising Insecurity Forces Southwest Farmers to Abandon Farms, Warns Yoruba Group

A Yoruba socio-political group, Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV), has raised the alarm over escalating insecurity in the South-West, saying farmers in the region are abandoning their farmlands due to attacks by bandits and criminal herders.

In a statement signed by its convener, Mr. Debo Adeniran, YDV expressed concern over the increasing incidents of kidnappings, violent forest incursions, and attacks on rural communities across Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara states.

The group said criminal networks have set up hideouts in forest reserves, forcing farmers to flee and leaving vast stretches of farmland uncultivated. “The South-West has historically been a hub of agricultural production, supplying staples such as yams, cassava, plantains, and rice. The invasion of forests and farmlands by bandits and criminal herders is already undermining productivity, with some farmers abandoning their fields due to insecurity,” the statement said.

YDV warned that continued insecurity in the region could have serious economic implications, potentially creating food production deficits with nationwide repercussions.

The group acknowledged the efforts of the regional security outfit, Amotekun, in increasing patrols but said more support was needed from the federal government, including improved intelligence and logistics. It called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and local communities to enhance early-warning systems and protect livelihoods.

Responding to recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump on alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, YDV cautioned against framing the country’s security crisis along religious lines. “Violence in Nigeria affects all Nigerians, across ethnic and religious divides. Oversimplifying the problem risks deepening divisions,” the group said.

YDV reiterated its commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law, urging both federal and state authorities to implement robust security strategies while safeguarding the dignity and livelihoods of affected communities. The group also called on international actors to support Nigeria’s efforts without compromising the nation’s sovereignty.