The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that worsening insecurity across the country is undermining Nigeria’s democratic gains, urging federal and state governments to adopt a more coordinated and decisive response to banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group said the growing wave of insecurity cast a shadow over the country’s celebration of 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

Afenifere expressed concern over a recent disclosure by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that abductors of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area were operating from a vast forest stretching across 10 local government areas.

According to the organisation, the revelation highlights the deteriorating security situation in the South-West and underscores the need for urgent action by relevant authorities.

The group noted that the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states in May, as well as a series of kidnappings across the country, marred what should have been a celebration of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Ajayi cited several recent incidents, including the abduction of the monarch of Odo-Oriya in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Adeniyi Adelana, who was kidnapped from his palace while his wife sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

He also referenced attacks in the Igbeti-Igboho-Kisi axis of Oyo State, where bandits reportedly killed at least two people, and the abduction of members of a family in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area.

Describing the increasing attacks on traditional rulers as disturbing, Ajayi said the trend was eroding the authority and prestige traditionally associated with Yoruba monarchs.

“It is embarrassing because our Obas, who used to be symbols of authority and power, are now being picked up like lame ducks,” he said.

The Afenifere spokesman recalled that attacks on traditional rulers had continued since January 2024, when bandits ambushed the convoy of three monarchs in Ekiti State, killing the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin.

He added that the Olukoro of Koro, Oba Segun Aremu, was later killed during an invasion of his palace, while several other monarchs had either been abducted or murdered.

Ajayi also highlighted the case of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Army spokesman, who died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State.

According to him, the incident reflects the gravity of Nigeria’s security crisis and demonstrates the growing audacity of criminal groups.

He echoed concerns earlier raised by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd), warning that criminal elements could become emboldened enough to target governors and lawmakers if urgent measures are not taken.

“When the situation degenerates to that level, what remains for the country? It would mean that bandits are taking over. But for that not to happen, governments and security agencies must re-strategise and be firmer in their response,” he said.

Afenifere also referenced comments by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on the historical and socio-economic roots of insecurity in northern Nigeria, but maintained that governments and influential stakeholders had failed to confront the problem decisively.

The organisation argued that insecurity persists because criminal groups and their sponsors have not been adequately dealt with, warning that attempts to downplay the activities of bandits only embolden them.

It further stated that the inability of northern leaders and governments to effectively tackle banditry was having direct consequences for communities in southern Nigeria, noting that security agencies have linked many criminal activities in the South-West to groups operating from the North.

Afenifere called on South-West governors to strengthen regional security collaboration and urged the Federal Government to adopt a more robust strategy to combat insecurity nationwide.

The group stressed that only decisive action against criminals and their sponsors, regardless of where they are located, can restore peace and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. (Vanguard)

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