Afenifere, a prominent pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, has voiced serious concerns regarding the surge in kidnapping incidents within the South-West region of Nigeria. The group highlighted recent abductions, including an incident along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road where victims were reportedly demanded to pay a ransom of N25 million.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere referenced multiple occurrences of violence, including the killing of a farmer in Itesiwaju local government area of Oyo State. The group also cited several abductions in Ogun and Osun States, naming victims such as Prince Michael Folarin, poultry farmer Ooreoluwa Osonuga, and Honourable Debo Farounbi.
While acknowledging ongoing regional security initiatives like Operation Kosaye and meetings among state governors, Afenifere criticized these efforts as insufficient in addressing the persistent threats. The organization echoed concerns previously expressed by the Sultan of Sokoto about the potential recruitment pool of millions of out-of-school children, suggesting that this demographic poses a significant risk for future criminal activities.
Afenifere has called for a multi-faceted approach to combat banditry, advocating for urgent structural reforms. Proposed measures include enhancing the capabilities of the Amotekun Corps with better weaponry, utilizing surveillance drones for monitoring, and granting local governments greater financial autonomy to support grassroots policing efforts.
Additionally, the group emphasized the need to empower traditional leadership for community policing and impose stricter judicial penalties against banditry. To deter youth recruitment into criminal activities, Afenifere has urged governments to invest in free and quality education and vocational training programs to provide viable employment opportunities for young people.
