The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has criticised the security response to rising cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in the South-West, warning that insecurity has become deeply entrenched in the region.
The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, stated this on Wednesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
Ajayi said the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where victims have reportedly remained in captivity for more than two weeks, underscored the growing security challenges confronting the region.
According to him, the situation has moved beyond mere threats and has become a reality for many communities across the South-West.
“It is not just that insecurity is at our doorstep anymore, it is already right inside our communities. We are already feeling it, we are already living with it, and what is happening in places like Oriire shows that the situation has gone beyond warnings to reality,” he said.
The Afenifere spokesman recalled the killing of forest guards in Oriire earlier in the year, describing the incident as an indication of the vulnerability of rural communities to criminal elements operating within forest reserves.
“When the forest guards were killed in Oriire, we made it clear that it was not an isolated case. Those men were simply trying to prevent criminal elements from gaining access to communities. Once they were removed, it became obvious that the attackers were clearing the way for larger operations,” Ajayi stated.
He further noted that Afenifere had repeatedly warned about the spread of insecurity from border communities in Kwara State into neighbouring areas in Oyo State.
Ajayi said some communities in parts of Kwara, including Kaiama and Baruten, had witnessed attacks that forced residents to flee and, in some instances, compelled traditional rulers to abandon their domains.
“We have seen communities deserted, we have seen traditional rulers leave their palaces, and in some cases, we have seen entire settlements become unsafe for normal life. When Obas are no longer able to remain in their domains, it means the system has already broken down in those areas,” he said.
While acknowledging efforts by South-West governors to strengthen security through surveillance systems, control rooms and aerial monitoring tools, Ajayi questioned the effectiveness of such measures in curbing recurring attacks.
“The question is not just about what has been introduced or announced. The real issue is effectiveness. If these measures were properly harmonised and working efficiently, we would not continue to witness repeated attacks in the same communities,” he added.
Ajayi also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate funding and manpower for the Amotekun Corps, noting that the regional security outfit requires greater support to effectively tackle the growing threat.
“Amotekun is a very good initiative, but the reality is that the personnel are few and not properly equipped to handle the level of insecurity we are facing. In many cases, they lack the logistics and motivation required to operate effectively in dangerous environments,” he said.
He urged both federal and state governments to strengthen security operations and improve coordination among security agencies, stressing that intelligence gathering must be complemented by prompt action.
“The problem is not that intelligence is not being gathered. The problem is what is done with that intelligence. When information is available but action is delayed, the system becomes reactive instead of preventive, and that is exactly what we are seeing today,” Ajayi stated.
The Afenifere spokesperson also expressed concern over the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing the situation as a humanitarian emergency.
“These are innocent children who have nothing to do with whatever the attackers want. They are being held in very harsh conditions, and the longer they remain there, the more physical, emotional and psychological damage they suffer. This is why urgent action is needed,” he said.
He maintained that government must remain in control of efforts to address insecurity, warning against allowing criminal groups to dictate events.
“Government must always rise above the situation. It has more information, more resources, and legitimate authority. There are times when you use persuasion and there are times when you use force, but what is important is that criminals must not be allowed to dictate the pace of events,” Ajayi added.
