The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has strongly condemned the increasing cases of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across South-West Nigeria, calling on government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore safety in the region.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Jare Ajayi, expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing loss of lives and worsening insecurity affecting several states in the region.
According to Ajayi, the Yoruba people are alarmed by the frequent reports of attacks, kidnappings and killings that have continued to erode the sense of safety previously enjoyed by residents. He noted that victims of kidnapping are often subjected to brutal treatment, including physical assault and humiliation.
He cited a number of incidents to illustrate the gravity of the situation. These include attacks on churches, police stations, private homes and highways in Ondo State; the displacement of communities in parts of Kwara State; killings of farmers and attacks on travellers along the Igbeti–Kisi road in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State; as well as several kidnapping incidents in Ekiti State where victims were reportedly killed and their bodies held for ransom.
Ajayi described one of the most disturbing incidents as the demand made by kidnappers who allegedly requested N1.5 million, Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as ICE and cartons of canned beer before releasing the corpse of a victim in their custody.
He further revealed that the abductors had also demanded that virgins be brought in exchange for four men they had earlier kidnapped, describing the request as shocking and deeply troubling.
Ajayi lamented that even residential areas are no longer safe for citizens. He referred to an incident in Akure, Ondo State, where a couple was attacked in front of their home, with the husband shot while attempting to prevent his wife from being abducted.
He also mentioned the abduction of Elder Igwe, the father of a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, who was kidnapped on his way to church on Sunday, March 1. In another case, a family of five was reportedly abducted at about 7 p.m. in Erinmope-Ekiti while residents were attending evening prayers at a mosque.
The Afenifere spokesman also highlighted a recent incident in Kubwa, Abuja, where armed bandits allegedly moved from house to house robbing and kidnapping residents.
Recounting another case in Edo State, Ajayi narrated how kidnappers abducted a medical doctor and his younger brother. The criminals reportedly killed the younger sibling but released the doctor after a ransom was paid.
He explained that the doctor later recognised the kidnappers when one of them brought his sick daughter to the hospital where the doctor worked. The doctor subsequently alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Ajayi said the incident demonstrated the contradiction in the actions of the criminals.
He noted that while the kidnapper valued the life of his own daughter enough to seek medical care for her, he showed no regard for the lives of others whom he abducted and killed.
Despite the widespread insecurity, Ajayi maintained that the challenge could be addressed with decisive and coordinated action.
He emphasised that bandits are not invincible and that effective measures could be taken to dismantle their operations.
According to him, the funding sources of these criminal groups must be identified and cut off. He alleged that some bandits receive financial support from unscrupulous wealthy individuals, certain organisations, and even some state actors.
He also pointed out that other sources of funding include ransom payments from victims’ families, protection fees paid by communities, proceeds from illegal mining activities and outright theft.
Ajayi called on authorities to investigate the role of foreign actors involved in illegal mining operations, suggesting that such activities may be contributing to the displacement of communities and the rise in violent attacks.
He noted that confessions from arrested bandits have revealed the existence of sponsors behind many of the attacks.
Therefore, he urged security agencies to focus not only on the perpetrators but also on identifying and prosecuting those who finance and supply weapons to them.
Ajayi also called for increased security operations to raid forest hideouts used by bandits, address corruption and sabotage within security institutions, and provide better motivation and support for security personnel.
He reiterated Afenifere’s long-standing support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step towards strengthening internal security.
The organisation commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to advancing the creation of state police and acknowledged his call on the National Assembly to fast-track the constitutional amendments required for its implementation.
Ajayi also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, for setting up a committee to develop the framework and operational guidelines for the deployment of state police.
Afenifere further urged governors in the South-West to intensify efforts to flush out bandits from their hideouts, maintain continuous surveillance in vulnerable communities and work closely with the Federal Government to ensure the swift establishment of state police across the region.
Afenifere Condemns Rising Terror Attacks in South-West, Urges Stronger Security Action
