Escalating attacks and kidnappings in Nigeria’s south-west region have prompted urgent calls for stronger government action to restore safety in the area.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, in a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, expressed concern over the growing insecurity and what it described as the increasing loss of lives across several states.
Ajayi cited reports of attacks on churches, police stations, homes and highways in Ondo State, as well as displaced communities in Kwara State. He also referenced killings of farmers and assaults on travellers along the Igbeti–Kisi road in Oyo State, alongside violent kidnappings in Ekiti State.
He condemned the severity of ransom demands made by kidnappers and described the treatment of victims as brutal and inhumane. According to him, homes are no longer safe, noting incidents where residents were attacked in front of their houses and abducted during religious activities.
The group argued that kidnappers and bandits depend on financial and logistical support networks, urging authorities to identify and dismantle their funding sources, including sponsors and collaborators.
Ajayi called for stronger security operations, improved intelligence gathering, greater accountability within security agencies, and better motivation for personnel. He also reaffirmed the group’s support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a key measure in addressing insecurity.
While condemning the violence, the organisation commended President Bola Tinubu for backing constitutional amendments to facilitate the creation of state police, urging the National Assembly to accelerate the process.
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