The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW) has raised an urgent alarm following a deadly attack launched by a newly emerging terrorist group, Mahmuda, on a community in Kwara State. The group has called on all governors in the Southwest region, Yoruba traditional rulers (Obas), and cultural leaders—including the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams—to rise to the occasion and take proactive steps before the situation escalates into the Southwest.
This strong call to action was contained in a statement signed by the Council’s National Coordinator, Asoju Odo Alawode Rahmon, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the attack serves as a grave warning of the growing threat posed by armed groups emerging from the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, with a high potential of infiltrating Southwest communities if not swiftly contained.
“The recent violent invasion by the Mahmuda group is not an isolated incident. It is a red alert that must be taken seriously by all stakeholders,” the statement reads. “We urge the governors of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos States—alongside Yoruba traditional rulers and leaders, especially the Aare Onakakanfo—to activate all regional and grassroots security systems to prevent any spread of this terror into our land.”
The Council stressed that unity, vigilance, and coordinated action are urgently needed to protect the integrity, peace, and safety of Yorubaland.
“Delays or inaction could lead to tragic consequences. Now is the time to act,” the statement added.
YCYW also urged the Federal Government to increase support for counter-terrorism efforts and provide intelligence backing to regional security networks such as Amotekun and community-based security initiatives.
The group reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending the Yoruba people, their territory, and their heritage. It also called on Yoruba youths to remain vigilant, proactive, and to report any suspicious movement in their communities.
Signed:
Asoju Odo Alawode Rahmon
National Coordinator, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW)
