Fidelis David in Akure

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday expressed deep concern over the worsening state of insecurity across the country urging the authorities to intensify efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State while calling for stronger state policing, restructuring and violence-free politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the organisation's caucus meeting held at the residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.

The meeting, attended by delegates from Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo states, was presided over by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, following the directive of Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

Expressing grave concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers in three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Afenifere described the prolonged captivity of the victims as unacceptable.

The organisation said, "It's about 50 days now that the incident in Oriire Local Government Area occurred. It is a big pity that the victims have not been rescued up till now. We feel highly disturbed that these innocent Nigerians are going through avoidable trauma. Actions must be expedited to get them out of the den of the bandits as quickly as possible."

It sympathised with the families of the victims and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts while tackling the growing wave of kidnappings across the region.

On the proposed establishment of state police, Afenifere commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for transmitting the bill to the National Assembly and also praised lawmakers for moving to consider it expeditiously.
However, the group insisted that some provisions of the proposed legislation require amendment.

According to the communiqué, "There are clauses in the Bill that tend to strengthen the stronghold of the federal government on state police rather than liberalising it."
It maintained that policing should be placed on the Concurrent Legislative List to guarantee true operational independence for state police formations.

The organisation also called on governors of all Yoruba-speaking states, including Kwara and Kogi, to take more decisive steps in tackling insecurity, warning that criminal activities were increasingly threatening lives and restricting free movement across the region.

Afenifere further condemned the reported attack on students of UNIOSUN by suspected recruits of the Army at the Osogbo Depot.

The body described the incident as shocking, particularly because those allegedly involved were recruits being trained to protect Nigerians.

"It is gratifying to note that at least five of the recruits have been arrested as suspects. We are calling on the authorities to dig to the root of this incident to ensure that such a thing does not happen anywhere again," the communiqué stated.

It also advocated a comprehensive review of recruitment and training processes within the nation's security agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Afenifere urged politicians to conduct their campaigns peacefully, condemning thuggery, violence and character assassination.

The group warned that the nation's democracy would only thrive if electioneering remained peaceful and devoid of bloodshed.

While commending the military and other security agencies for their sacrifices in combating insecurity, the organisation called for improved funding, better equipment and enhanced welfare for personnel.

It also urged the government to expose collaborators aiding criminal groups.
According to Afenifere, "Government and security agencies, including the military, should look inward as insecurity continues to fester because there are internal collaborators. Such searchlight should also be beamed on local communities as there are collaborators among them as well."