The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday, urging South-West governors to take urgent and decisive steps to strengthen security across the region.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group disclosed that its leader, Reuben Fasoranti, was saddened by the incident, which occurred during the same week he celebrated his 100th birthday.
Fasoranti sympathised with the victims, their families, and those injured during the attacks, while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
The organisation noted that the recent wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across the South-West and parts of Kwara State had heightened fears that terrorists and bandits were seeking to establish a foothold in the region and eventually spread further into the South.
According to the statement, the recent actions and responses of governors in the South-West do not reflect a full appreciation of the gravity of the security challenges confronting the region.
Afenifere questioned the effectiveness and implementation of several security initiatives previously announced by state governments, including resolutions reached by South-West governors, the installation of CCTV infrastructure by the Ogun State Government, the surveillance aircraft acquired by the Oyo State Government, and other security measures introduced in Ondo State.
“In view of the fact that the primary duty of government is the security and welfare of the people, governments in the South-Western states of Nigeria must prove that they are alive to their constitutionally assigned responsibilities,” the statement partly read.
The group stressed that every necessary measure must be adopted to prevent further attacks by kidnappers and bandits anywhere within the region.
Afenifere also called on governors in the six South-West states to prioritise the protection of lives and property, insisting that terrorists must not be allowed to gain any operational base in Yorubaland, extending from Lagos to Kogi, including Edo and Delta states.
Despite its concerns, the organisation commended the swift response of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, who visited the scene of the incident shortly after the abductions.
It also praised the inauguration of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), expressing optimism that the initiative would help curb crimes such as banditry and kidnapping.
Afenifere reiterated that although the federal government bears the constitutional responsibility for the security and welfare of Nigerians, governors also have a sacred duty to deploy available resources toward securing their states and protecting their citizens.
