Traditional rulers evolving strategies to stem kidnapping in South West ― Alaafin

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Monday, said traditional rulers had begun engagements with governments and other security agencies with a view to evolving ways to nip kidnapping across the country, particularly in the South West in the bud.

Oba Adeyemi, who spoke when he led the state council of Obas and Chiefs on a courtesy visit to Ajimobi, at governor’s office, Ibadan, noted that the strategies were under wraps. He, however, avowed that results of their efforts will become more visible in three weeks time.

He shrugged off views about some Fulanisation agenda, noting that traditional rulers were not expected to make such political statements.

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“We cannot act independently of the government and other security agencies. And we have discussed with His Excellency as the chief law officer of the state. We must be very careful; we do not want to reveal the strategies or plans we have.

“These kidnappers are also in our midst and we are working with other security agencies and apparatus of government to see that this is nipped in the bud. The traditional rulers are actually working round the clock within their own local areas that they have vigilante groups to ensure that lives and properties of the people are saved. By the grace of God, in the next two or three weeks, you will see the result of our efforts.

“On Fulanisation agenda, I don’t want to go into politics. We must be very careful. Traditional rulers are fathers and should not join the fray of making such political statements,” Oba Adeyemi said.