The Muslim Rights Concern has called on governors in Nigeria’s South-West region to urgently empower local security outfits, including the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, and the O’odua People’s Congress (OPC), to combat the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crime.
According to Akintola, the region has witnessed an alarming rise in insecurity in recent weeks, with kidnapping incidents becoming increasingly frequent. He cited the recent abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as evidence of the worsening security situation.
MURIC argued that state governments should no longer delay in equipping and strengthening community-based security structures capable of responding quickly to threats.
The group specifically urged authorities to increase support for Western Nigeria Security Network, Oodua People’s Congress and other local security initiatives, including the proposed Iru Ekun security network.
“South-West governments should prepare vigilante groups as first responders. Groups like the OPC and Iru Ekun should be empowered in order to halt the advance of bandits,” Akintola stated.
He also called for the recruitment of additional personnel into the Amotekun Corps to improve its operational effectiveness and coverage across the region.
Beyond government action, MURIC encouraged citizens to support efforts aimed at confronting criminal elements and preventing communities from becoming vulnerable to attacks.
The organisation further urged religious communities to remain resilient in the face of insecurity, citing religious teachings that encourage resistance against oppression and criminality.
According to MURIC, criminal groups often exploit fear and weak resistance, arguing that communities and security agencies must be prepared to confront such threats decisively.
The statement comes amid increasing public concern over insecurity in the South-West, where recent kidnappings, attacks on schools, and other violent crimes have intensified calls for stronger security measures and greater collaboration between federal, state, and community-based security agencies.
Security experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering, community policing, and local collaboration as part of broader efforts to tackle kidnapping and organised crime across the country.