DEFENDING OUR COMMUNITIES: A CALL TO STRATEGIC ACTION

By Olatayo Ogedengbe Esq

Across Nigeria, many communities face persistent threats from violent groups operating under the guise of herders. These attacks, ranging from coordinated raids to random killings, have destabilised villages and towns, especially in the Middle Belt and southern regions. As the federal government appears slow or unwilling to curb the escalating violence, it has become imperative for communities to adopt proactive, lawful, and strategic measures to defend themselves and their future.

Every town and village should legally organise local security teams or vigilante groups with clear leadership, rules of engagement, and registration with local authorities. Such groups should operate transparently, avoid mob justice, and must cooperate with existing security agencies. They should operate with Yoruba wisdom of Ologbon di ori Eja mu. Bo rowo mi, ori inu mi. Monu and Oku Orun approach.

Communities should build strong internal intelligence systems. This involves training trusted individuals to monitor and report strange movements, the presence of unfamiliar persons, or suspicious activities near forests and farmlands to their chosen leadership. A culture of rapid communication and alertness must be cultivated.

They must establish physical security by setting up watchpoints at village borders, reinforcing entry gates, and designating emergency exit routes. Night patrols should become standard practice in vulnerable areas.

Local hunters and traditional forest guardians possess deep geographical knowledge and survival skills. Properly trained and guided under lawful structures, they can provide vital defence support and surveillance in areas where state forces rarely reach.

Accurate documentation is critical. Communities should maintain detailed records of attacks, including time, date, location, victim details, and photo or video evidence. These can support future justice efforts, national inquiries, or petitions to international bodies.

They should also seek partnerships with human rights groups, lawyers, and advocacy organisations. These relationships can provide access to justice, amplify community voices, and help internationalise the crisis.

Regular community training on emergency response, evacuation protocols, and first aid must be conducted, especially for women, youth, and religious groups. Preparedness saves lives.

Although the pain is real and the rage justified, retaliatory violence only worsens the cycle of bloodshed. Communities should focus on organised civic resistance, lawful protests, and coordinated demands for justice and security reforms.

The security of our people can not be outsourced indefinitely. Where government action falls short, communities must rise with wisdom, courage, and unity.

This is not an invitation to chaos but a solemn call to survival, dignity, and organised resistance in line with our constitutional rights.

History honours those who defend what is just, not with vengeance, but with vision.

The action of the government in creating forest guards should be complimented, bearing in mind the possibility of the newly formed outfit going the way of the existing security apparatus.