The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that worsening insecurity across the nation is actively undermining Nigeria’s democratic gains. In a powerful statement marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the group declared that rampant banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes have cast a dark shadow over the country`s milestones. The statement, issued by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, urged federal and state governments to immediately adopt a more coordinated and decisive response to criminal elements. Ajayi noted that instead of celebrating democratic progress, the nation is mourning a continuous wave of abductions and killings. He highlighted the May abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in both Oyo and Borno states as clear indicators of a deteriorating national security apparatus. Afenifere expressed deep concern over the rising audacity of criminal syndicates targeting traditional institutions. Ajayi cited the recent abduction of the monarch of Odo-Oriya in Ondo State, Oba Adeniyi Adelana, who was seized directly from his palace while his wife sustained gunshot injuries. "It is embarrassing because our Obas, who used to be symbols of authority and power, are now being picked up like lame ducks," Ajayi lamented. This follows a bloody trend that began earlier in January, which saw the brutal killings of the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola; the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin; and the Olukoro of Koro, Oba Segun Aremu. The group further pointed to the tragic death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Army spokesman who died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. Afenifere warned that the crisis is escalating beyond control. Echoing a previous warning by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd), the group stated that if urgent measures are not taken, bandits will become emboldened enough to target governors and lawmakers. “When the situation degenerates to that level, what remains for the country? It would mean that bandits are taking over," Ajayi warned. Afenifere criticized northern leaders and the federal government for failing to decisively confront the socio-economic roots of northern banditry. The group emphasized that this inaction is spilling over into southern Nigeria. They pointed to a recent disclosure by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, revealing that kidnappers operating in the Oriire Local Government Area are using a massive forest network spanning 10 local government areas. Afenifere concluded by demanding that South-West governors immediately strengthen regional security collaborations, while calling on the Federal Government to crush both the criminals and their sponsors to safeguard Nigeria`s future.
