By Yemisi Bamgbose.
It is heartening to see the South West States’ Governors acknowledging the danger that has crept into the proverbial Longe’s farm. The situation is dire, and Longe himself is entangled in unimaginable danger. A Yoruba proverb aptly describes the scenario:
“Ewu nbe ni oko Longe, Longe fun ra re ewu.
Longe nko ebe ni ori ejo oka,
Awon igi oko Longe ohun oloro ni won nso.
Were ile Longe tun gbe ibon si ipako ori Longe”
Translated, it means:
There is palpable danger in Longe’s farm, Longe himself is entangled in danger. Longe is making heaps on a cobra, all trees at Longe’s farm are harbouring dangerous insects, to compound the problem, the madman of Longe’s house is at his back pointing AK 47 to blow off his head.
The situation in Oduduwa territory is precarious. Kidnappings and attacks are rampant, with terrorists and armed groups targeting rural areas. The recent abductions in Ogun State, including the kidnapping of a farmer in Senmo village and six people in Oyebolu village, in Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun State are alarming.
The family of the poor farmer in Senmo village had to pay millions of Naira as ransom before their beloved father could regain freedom from captivity.
The problem is not limited to Ogun State; it’s a regional issue. The kidnapping of Deputy Director of Child Protection Network, IbukunOluwa Otesile, in Ibadan is a stark reminder that no one is safe including those in the State capitals.
The situations in the northern part of the country are better imagined. As a recent visitor to Kano, I witnessed the devastating impact of insecurity firsthand.
It’s time for governments at all levels to take decisive action. Traditional rulers and community leaders must be involved in devising strategies to prevent this looming calamity.
The proverb says, “Eniti ija kodeba ni o n pe ara ni okunrin” – when danger knocks, one must respond like a man. We must act now to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
The South West is in potential danger, and we need a pragmatic, all-encompassing approach to address this issue.
Dr Yemisi Bamgbose is the Executive Secretary Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON)
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