The Eselu of Iselu, Oba Ebenezer Akinyemi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider bringing in foreign mercenaries to combat the growing insecurity across Nigeria. In an open letter, the traditional ruler described the current wave of killings, kidnappings, and terrorism as a national emergency that continues to spiral out of control.
According to Oba Akinyemi, criminal groups now act with alarming confidence despite the government’s efforts to equip and expand the country’s security forces. He described the situation as a thriving criminal industry that benefits from ongoing violence and weak enforcement. The monarch noted that despite years of investment in military tools and personnel, the results remain discouraging.
Referencing recent attacks in Plateau and Benue states, he said hundreds of Nigerians—including the elderly and children—were brutally killed or forced from their homes. He stressed that these recurring tragedies reflect a larger failure to prioritize human life and protect citizens.
Oba Akinyemi warned that if drastic measures aren’t taken, the country’s unity and future could be at risk. He suggested that the National Assembly begin discussions on involving foreign mercenaries to neutralize terrorist groups and help restore stability. In his words, “We cannot be complaining about the problems and also be complaining about the solutions.”
He argued that the same system that failed under three administrations cannot continue unchanged, pointing out that merely changing leadership without changing strategy is ineffective. He urged Tinubu to act boldly and stop treating insecurity as business-as-usual, noting that some people benefit financially from prolonged violence.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures also expressed alarm over the increasing frequency of terrorist attacks. In a joint statement, the group demanded immediate and coordinated action from the Federal Government. Its chairman, Adebo Ogundoyin, emphasized that symbolic gestures and condemnations are no longer enough.
Ogundoyin, who also serves as Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, stressed that the safety and dignity of every Nigerian should be a non-negotiable priority for all levels of government. He called for an end to the “bloodbaths” and urged all arms of government to move beyond words and take decisive steps to restore peace and security across the country.
