Nigeria’s foremost pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the country, warning that the surge in kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks poses a serious threat to the nation’s democratic stability.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group lamented that the growing climate of fear and lawlessness has overshadowed celebrations marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.
Afenifere pointed to recent comments by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who disclosed that those responsible for abducting schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area were believed to be operating from an extensive forest spanning about 10 local government areas. The organisation said the revelation exposed the depth of the security challenge confronting the South-West and called for immediate intervention.
According to the group, incidents such as the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states in May, alongside numerous abductions recorded across the country, have tainted what should have been a period of national reflection and celebration of democratic progress.
Ajayi highlighted a number of recent attacks, including the abduction of the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya in Ondo State, Oba Adeniyi Adelana, who was seized from his palace while his wife suffered gunshot wounds during the assault.
He also cited violent attacks along the Igbeti-Igboho-Kisi corridor of Oyo State, where armed bandits reportedly killed at least two residents, as well as the kidnapping of members of a family in Igbope, located in Oorelope Local Government Area.
The Afenifere spokesman described the growing pattern of attacks against traditional rulers as a disturbing development capable of diminishing the reverence and authority historically 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.
Ajayi recalled that attacks on royal fathers have persisted over the past two years, referencing the January 2024 attack in Ekiti State in which armed men ambushed a convoy carrying three monarchs. The incident resulted in the deaths of the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin.
He further noted that the Olukoro of Koro, Oba Segun Aremu, was subsequently killed during an invasion of his palace, while several other traditional rulers across the country have either been abducted or murdered.
The organisation also drew attention to the case of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Army spokesman, who reportedly died while in captivity after he and his wife were kidnapped in Katsina State. Ajayi said the tragedy underscored the severity of the nation’s security crisis and reflected the increasing boldness of criminal gangs.
He reiterated an earlier warning by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd), that if unchecked, criminal elements could become emboldened enough to target governors, lawmakers and other high-profile public officials.
“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.
While acknowledging recent observations by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, regarding the historical and socio-economic roots of insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, Afenifere argued that governments at various levels and key stakeholders have not shown sufficient determination in confronting the menace.
The organisation maintained that the persistence of insecurity is largely due to the failure to decisively prosecute criminal groups and those allegedly sponsoring them. It warned that any attempt to minimise the threat posed by bandits only strengthens their resolve and expands their operational reach.
Afenifere further contended that the inability of northern political leaders and governments to effectively suppress banditry is having far-reaching implications for communities in southern Nigeria. The group noted that security agencies have repeatedly linked several criminal operations in the South-West to networks believed to be operating from the North.
Consequently, the organisation called on governors in the South-West to deepen cooperation on regional security initiatives while urging the Federal Government to adopt a more aggressive and comprehensive national security strategy.
According to Afenifere, restoring public confidence and protecting Nigeria’s democratic future will require decisive action against criminals and their sponsors, regardless of status, influence or geographical location.
(Ripples)
