Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, has called on prominent Yoruba leaders to take a more active role in tackling the growing insecurity in the South-West.
The singer made the appeal in a video shared on his Instagram page on Friday, amid rising concerns over kidnappings and violent attacks in different parts of the country.
Kwam 1 specifically urged Igboho and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, not to leave the fight against insecurity solely in the hands of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the rising cases of kidnapping and killings required a united response from political leaders, traditional institutions, security agencies, and influential figures across the region.
“The two of you (Sunday Igboho, Gani Adams) must not leave the President to handle this matter alone. It concerns all Nigerians and the Yoruba people. The Yoruba are the ones ruling the country, and for things not to fall apart on our watch, Gani Adams and Igboho must rise, call all the warriors, the Agbekoya, and their troops to defeat this kidnapping and killing.
“All the powerful people in Ijebu, Ijesha, Ekiti, Ife, Egba, and Lagos stand up against this. This is a disgrace to the region… Do not leave Tinubu alone to handle this; it concerns all of us. Kidnapping and killing are becoming a terrible pattern in this region, and this will not be tolerated here. Igboho, call Gani Adams, and all of you must move fast on this issue.”
The veteran musician also urged Sunday Igboho to respond to public demands for stronger action against criminal groups operating within the region.
According to him, traditionalists and local security groups should contribute their efforts towards ending the menace.
“All the Yoruba people are asking you to wage war, and everybody will follow you. Sunday Igboho, on this issue of kidnapping and killing, let this growing problem become a thing of the past in this region. All warriors, wherever you are, do not sleep. Governors, mobilise all the warriors, the police, and soldiers to address this matter.
“We want the killing and kidnapping to stop in Nigeria during the tenure of Asiwaju, my principal. We must speak with one united voice on this matter. Let those who know the use of herbs apply them, those skilled with arms act accordingly, and those gifted in the use of charms deploy them; evil must stop in this country,” said Kwam 1.
Another Fuji musician, Abass Akande, popularly known as Obesere, also appealed to President Tinubu to intensify efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
In a separate video posted on Instagram on Thursday night, Obesere said the activities of kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, and armed robbers had continued to create fear among Nigerians.
“Tinubu, we have given you power; use it. If someone has offended you and it is making you angry, remember we are all human beings; do not hold on to the offence. Help us find a solution to this kidnapping crisis, because some people are exploiting it as an opportunity. Some who are neither Fulani nor Hausa have now made kidnapping a trade, yet once they act, we all point at the Fulani.
“All these matters rest on your table; help us find solutions. The power is in your hands, and no one can question how you use it, so use it rightly. Think of the mothers. Think of the one-, two-, and three-year-olds among the abducted, those being beaten with sticks and guns, and those who have already been killed.”
The singer said insecurity had affected the daily lives of many Nigerians and made it difficult for people to move freely without fear.
In the video, which he described as an open appeal to the President, Obesere urged the Federal Government to take stronger steps to restore public confidence and protect lives.
“Please act so that you will not carry a bad name, and this nation will not fall apart during your tenure. Let your legacy not be told as a shameful history to generations yet unborn. The people look up to your leadership and trust that stronger measures will be taken to restore peace, security, and confidence throughout the nation.
“Mr President, we respectfully urge your administration to intensify efforts against criminal elements and ensure that every Nigerian can live without fear. May God guide you with wisdom and strength as you lead our great nation toward peace, progress, and prosperity,” he said.
