Residents of six communities in Ajoni Local Government Area of Ekiti State have raised the alarm over an alleged invasion and sustained attack on their towns by heavily armed men.
The communities, including Itapaji, Ijowa, Iyemero, Oke-Ako, Irele and Ipao Ekiti said the attackers had taken over the surrounding forests and farms, restricting movement and subjecting residents to constant fear.
They alleged that lives had been lost in previous attacks, many people displaced, and dozens abducted, while thousands of others now live in anxiety over possible fresh assaults.
In a protest letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the residents appealed for urgent security intervention to prevent what they described as an impending humanitarian catastrophe.
The letter was signed by representatives of the communities, including Abimbola Omotoyinbo and Olubola Adeoye (Itapaji); Tosin Babalola and Chief Kehinde Abejide (Irele); Femi Bodunde (Oke-Ako); Joseph Osanipin (Iyemero); and Bayo Dada (Ipao),
The community leaders said the six communities had been subjected to repeated attacks over the past few years, with the situation worsening in recent months.
They said no fewer than 40 persons are being held captive by the assailants, while several others have been killed in previous attacks.
They lamented that their ancestral farms had been taken over by heavily armed men, who allegedly ordered them to vacate their communities, saying many residents had fled their homes while thousands remained trapped and living in fear of further assaults.
They alleged that the attackers had set up camps in the forests, stretching across parts of Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states, blocking access to farms, water sources and major roads leading to neighbouring towns.
They claimed that movement to the local government headquarters for medical and other essential services had become extremely dangerous.
Acknowledging previous efforts by state government and council chairman, they expressed disappointment that some elected representatives had yet to visit or publicly address their plight.
They renewed calls for the strengthening of the local security outfits, noting that state government should be empowered to establish and equip security outfits capable of responding effectively to emerging threats.
“We are children of warriors. Our great grandparents were warriors. We are also civilised people that believe in the rule of law instead of the rule of the jungle.
Our patience is running out. We do not think the Nigerian authorities should allow communities to start arming themselves.
“We do not want relief materials after we have been killed in large numbers. We do not want condolence statements or visits from politicians after we have been killed.
“This is the time for you to act. A minute of delay is dangerous,” the letter read.