AN EXAMINATION OF AMOTEKUN AS PANACEA TO THE PROBLEM OF INSECURITY IN YORUBA LAND

Abstract

One of the major challenges facing the nations of the world is the problem of insecurity. This has become a global phenomenon posing serious threat to the wellbeing and the development of the nations of the world. Our times are characterized by living daily with the combined forces of destructiveness, untold number of wars, persecutions, violent intolerances, social bigotries and burgeoning restlessness. The 20th century was dominated by the legacy of devastatingly global wars, colonial struggles, and ideology conflicts. Insecurity and corruption not only remain, they have become the primary development challenges of the 21st century. Nigeria has its own share of this challenge. Over the years, insecurity and terrorism has been a major challenge to the Nigerian government. The activities of the Islamic sect (Boko Haram) had led to loss of lives and properties in the country especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. Their activities include: bombing /suicide bomb attacks, sporadic shooting of unarmed and innocent citizens, kidnapping and rape. This is in addition to the activities of the Niger Delta militants, which include: oil pipe line vandalization, murder and political upheavals. Presently, the notorious Fulani Herdsmen and cattle rustlers have become a great threat to the security of the country. Untold catastrophes, destructions of lives and properties have become the order of the day in the country. Although, there is no accurate statistical data on number of death recorded and those that have been displaced as a result of these terrible activities, several thousands of people have been killed while greater numbers have been rendered homeless. Several people's economy had been crippled. No wonder, Nigeria has been listed as one of the terrorist countries of the world. Many foreigners have moved out of the country with their investment. It is pertinent to note that the government at all levels has made frantic efforts to ameliorate this ignoble situation. Many security apparatus have been introduced with diverse strategies. In fact, assistance of the international world had been sought on many occasions. Greater percentage of the country budget in recent times has been channeled to this task with little or no result. It is disheartening to note that the level of insecurity in the country is still very much devastating and alarming. Premium Times reported that Nigeria spends #4.62 trillion on National security in 5 years; yet, widespread insecurity remains. From Boko Haram to farmer-herder conflicts, ethnic- religious tensions, urban crime, Fulani kidnappers to Niger-Delta militant groups; Nigeria is overwhelmingly crushed under the burden of insecurity. This study therefore sets to underscore security network using Amotekun as the springboards to provide lasting solution or curtail the trending problem of insecurity in Yorubaland of Nigeria. In recent times, the South-West Governors comprised of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos States formed an alliance to set up a formidable traditional security network. The idea emanated to combat the insecurity situation in the South Western part of Nigeria. The name given to this security outfit is AMOTEKUN; which forms the focus of this study.