The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over the escalating wave of insecurity across Nigeria, warning that banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes are threatening the country’s democratic progress and stability.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group said the persistent security challenges have cast a shadow over Nigeria’s celebration of 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
Afenifere expressed particular concern over revelations by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that kidnappers responsible for abducting schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area were operating from a vast forest spanning 10 local government areas.
According to the organisation, the disclosure highlights the growing security threat in the South-West and underscores the urgent need for stronger and more coordinated action by government and security agencies.
The group noted that the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states in May, alongside numerous kidnapping incidents across the country, dampened what should have been a period of national reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Ajayi cited several recent attacks, including the abduction of the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya in Ondo State, Oba Adeniyi Adelana, who was kidnapped from his palace while his wife sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
He also referenced deadly attacks in communities along the Igbeti-Igboho-Kisi axis of Oyo State, where bandits reportedly killed at least two persons, as well as the abduction of members of a family in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area.
Describing the increasing attacks on traditional rulers as disturbing, Afenifere 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,” Ajayi stated.
The spokesman recalled that attacks on traditional rulers had persisted since January 2024, when gunmen ambushed the convoy of three monarchs in Ekiti State, killing Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola and Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin.
He further noted that Oba Segun Aremu was later killed during an attack on his palace, while several other traditional rulers have either been abducted or murdered in recent years.
Ajayi also highlighted the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State, describing the incident as evidence of the growing boldness of criminal groups.
Echoing concerns previously raised by former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, Afenifere warned that criminal elements could become emboldened enough to target governors and lawmakers if urgent steps 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,” Ajayi said.
The organisation also referenced comments by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on the historical and socio-economic roots of insecurity in northern Nigeria, but argued that authorities and influential stakeholders have not confronted the problem decisively enough.
According to Afenifere, insecurity continues to thrive because criminal groups and their sponsors have not been adequately punished, while attempts to downplay the activities of bandits only encourage further attacks.
The group further maintained that the inability of northern leaders to effectively tackle banditry has had direct consequences for southern communities, 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 deepen regional security cooperation and urged the Federal Government to adopt a more aggressive and coordinated strategy to tackle insecurity nationwide.
The organisation stressed that only decisive action against criminals and their sponsors, regardless of status or location, can restore peace, protect lives and preserve Nigeria’s democratic gains.
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