Several pan-Yoruba groups, under the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, have warned that Nigeria is entering a new phase of terrorism, alleging that extremist elements with political backing are intensifying attacks to destabilize democracy.
The groups issued the warning in a communiqué at the end of a two-day conference in Lagos, calling on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to restructure the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The communiqué was signed by AYDM General Secretary Popoola Ajayi, alongside Rasaq Arogundade, Taofik Adeyemi and Alice Asoropa.
The groups raised concerns over security, warning that terrorists have entered a new phase of operations, including the use of improvised explosive devices.
They cited a recent incident in Kwara State in which an explosive device killed a commercial driver and injured a nursing mother and child, describing it as evidence of evolving tactics.
According to the communiqué, global tensions — particularly the crisis involving Iran, Israel and the United States — are being exploited by extremist elements in Nigeria to intensify attacks.
The groups also alleged that political actors and entrenched interests are backing terrorism, claiming that some sponsors operate within the political class.
“The current Federal Government is dealing with economic, political and military wings of terrorism in Nigeria. The terrorists have economic and ideological funders masquerading as elected and unelected politicians and statesmen,” the communiqué said.
It added that the objective of such actors is to gain power and undermine Nigeria’s political, cultural and economic foundations.
The groups further alleged that a network of aggrieved political actors has intensified attacks after being excluded from the current administration.
To address the crisis, they called for the creation of state police and a restructuring of the country’s security architecture, including decentralizing military training institutions into regional commands.
Guest speaker Adewale Adeoye, who delivered a lecture titled “Democracy, Peoples Power and Livelihood in the South-West,” urged citizens to defend democracy and mobilize for restructuring.
The AYDM said restructuring remains critical to preventing the country from sliding into anarchy, stressing the need for a truly federal system that reflects Nigeria’s diversity.
The communiqué also expressed concern over killings and attacks in the South-West, alleging that terrorists have targeted traditional rulers and planted explosives on highways in recent years.
The groups condemned any attempt to overthrow democratic governance, warning that a military coup could trigger widespread instability.
“The country is witnessing a very tough economic experience characterized by hunger and misery compounded by terrorism. But the solution is not a military coup,” the communiqué said.
It warned that any military intervention could lead to armed resistance, including guerrilla warfare, with consequences for the wider West African region.
The groups also called for the speedy trial of alleged coup plotters, urging that those found guilty face the full weight of the law as a deterrent.
They added that the presidency in 2027 should remain in the South, warning that any deviation from power rotation could threaten national unity.
“Since 1960, the North has ruled Nigeria for 46 years, while the South has ruled for only 20 years. Any attempt by the North to produce the next president is unacceptable and will be resisted,” the communiqué said.
