The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has declared that the persistent killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria can only be stopped through the adoption of a decentralised security system.

Speaking on the heels of the recent spate of violence in Benue State, Adams condemned the bloodshed that has resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, widespread displacement, and destruction of farmlands. He noted that prayers alone cannot resolve the crisis unless concrete steps are taken to restructure the nation’s security architecture.

According to him, Nigeria’s over-centralised policing system has failed to curb the rising insecurity across the country. He emphasized that allowing states and local governments to establish their own policing structures is essential to effectively tackling the security challenges bedevilling the nation.

Adams pointed out that the recurring farmer-herder clashes, proliferation of arms, and the inability of federal security agencies to respond swiftly to local threats are direct consequences of a rigid, centralised system. He called on the Federal Government to consider restructuring as a matter of urgency.

He warned that continued violence, particularly in food-producing regions like Benue, poses a serious threat to national food security, economic stability, and foreign investment. “If we do not decentralise security and give power back to the grassroots, Nigeria risks total collapse,” he said.

The Yoruba generalissimo maintained that restructuring Nigeria to support true federalism, with state and local police, is not only timely but crucial for national survival and peace.