Yoruba groups implore s’west governors to set up regional security trust fund

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has asked governors in the south-west zone to set up a security trust fund to finance the activities of Amotekun and other security outfits.

AYDM is the alliance of over 130 pan Yoruba and community-based groups including Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC-New Era), Agbekoya, Iteskiri Nationalist Congress (INC), O’Odua Peoples Congress, and several others.

In a statement on Tuesday, Popoola Ajayi, the general secretary of AYDM, said the six south-west states should be able to raise N100 billion in the first six months of the launch.

Ajayi said the fund would be raised from contributions of state governments, corporate organisations, Yoruba in diaspora, individuals, professional and artisan groups, and residents of the south-west.

He added that no single state in the zone can resolve insecurity without networking.

“There are some 60 million people in south-west. Every adult from the age of 18 residing in the south-west should be encouraged to contribute a minimum of N500 to the fund,” the statement reads.

“This will be invested in providing necessary material and training for Amotekun, fund Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), while creating and building a strong intelligence bureau that would tackle all varieties of crime in the region.

“This fund will also be instrumental in supporting police and other efforts of security agencies and initiatives aimed at tackling the growing threats to the safety and wellbeing of the people.

“The time has come for creative thinking. It is time for us to unite and take decisive action against the rising insecurity in our beloved indigenous territories by establishing a Regional Security Trust Fund.”

Ajayi said part of the fund should be used to establish security posts in all the borders across the region, and a training school on intelligence and counter intelligence.