‘Carry Go’ demands tougher security response as banditry, kidnapping spread nationwide

…Links insecurity to broader governance concerns, urges leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare over luxury spending

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

His Eminence Dr. Okeyomi Oladipupo Babatunde, popularly known as Carry Go and an APC chieftain, has called for stronger community-based security measures to address rising cases of banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria.

Speaking with Hope Newspaper in Lagos, Okeyomi who is a security expert said the growing wave of insecurity has left many Nigerians in fear, especially in rural communities where farmers now struggle to access their farmlands due to the threat of attacks.

“Farmers are afraid to go to their farms because of insecurity. This situation is affecting food production and the economy,” he said.

Dr. Babatunde who is also the Baba Aladura of Holy Fountain of Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide urged government at all levels to strengthen the security architecture and provide better protection for citizens, particularly farmers and residents of vulnerable communities.

He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the fight against criminal activities threatening national peace and stability.

The APC chieftain stressed that insecurity remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s economic growth and democratic stability.

Beyond security concerns, Dr. Babatunde warned political leaders against wasteful spending, urging them to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal comfort.

He commended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a bold decision that ended long-standing exploitation in the system.

“To remove subsidy in Nigeria is not easy because many powerful people were benefiting from it. That decision required courage,” he said.

However, he criticised some public office holders for lavish lifestyles amid widespread economic hardship and insecurity, saying such conduct reflects misplaced priorities.

“You see leaders buying luxury vehicles and private jets while many Nigerians are hungry, unsecured and unemployed,” he said.

He urged leaders at all levels to channel public resources into infrastructure development, security job creation, and poverty reduction programmes, warning against wasteful governance and capital flight.

He added that good governance can only be achieved when leaders consistently place the welfare of citizens above personal and political interests.