In a statement signed by its Convener, Debo Adeniran, made available to Sunday Inde­pendent, YDV said that while it does not dispute the seriousness of Trump’s remarks, it believes that attributing genocide solely to religious identity does a dis­service to the full complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, which affect many communi­ties, Christians and Muslims alike.

Condemnation Of Violence, Call For Respect For Sovereignty

YDV strongly condemned any form of mass violence against innocent civilians, regardless of religion, adding, “If there is credible evidence of large-scale targeting of Christians or any other group, it should be thor­oughly investigated.’

It stressed that Nigeria’s security crisis is not purely sectarian; it involves banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, kidnap­pings, and terrorism that affect many Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines.

The group urged restraint in using divisive narratives and called for solutions rooted in re­spect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

YDV also rejected any exter­nal military invasion as a ‘quick fix’ for Nigeria’s security prob­lems, adding, “While the need for international cooperation and support is undeniable, a foreign military intervention threatens to undermine Nige­ria’s sovereignty, erode national unity, and could deepen existing tensions.”

Commendation For FG, The Armed Forces

YDV commended the Nigeri­an Federal Government and the Armed Forces for the renewed vigour with which they are tackling insurgency, banditry, and terrorist hideouts.

It stressed: “Recent reports of successful strikes against bandit camps across the country reflect a commendable commitment to restoring security.

“These efforts are essential, and it is encouraging to see polit­ical will paired with operational resolve.”

Concern Over Insecurity in S’West

However, YDV said it was deeply concerned that much of the current onslaught against bandits had not yet reached parts of the South West, where credible reports indicate a troubling uptick in criminal activity.

“States in this region, includ­ing Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Ogun, are increasingly on alert to the infiltration of bandits.

“In Ondo state for example, some Fulani bandits have re­portedly attacked Akure South, Akure North reserve and Dada area, they also attacked Owo and Akoko area and there is also kid­napping in Ore.

“In Kwara State, some ban­dits have made the forest be­tween Isanlu-Isin Olla and Omu- Aran (Igbo Osa) their abode.

“They are also residing between Idofin-Osi (Oke Era) near Kogi state and between Oke-Ode-Igbaja and Oke Oyan.

“We are aware that these states are bracing against incur­sions by using the regional se­curity outfit, Amotekun Corps, to patrol forests and intercept criminal networks operating in the region.

“Amotekun’s increasing presence, including joint forest patrols and border surveillance, is welcome.

“Still, YDV fears that with­out sustained federal support and coordinated security strat­egy, bandits could entrench themselves in South West forest reserves, exacerbating risks to local communities.

Economic & Cultural Imperatives for Action

YDV emphasised that the South West has historically been a heartland of agriculture, trade, and culture, adding that the re­gion’s farmlands produce staples such as yam, cassava, plantain, and rice.

“The invasion of herders, bandits, and criminal herding networks is already undermin­ing this agricultural productivi­ty: some farmers have abandoned their fields, citing insecurity.”