The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has voiced deep concern over the escalating wave of armed robberies in the South-West region of Nigeria.
In a statement released on Sunday, Jare Ajayi, the national publicity secretary of Afenifere, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive measures to address the growing insecurity, particularly incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping.
The organization highlighted a recent incident in Ikere, Ekiti State, where armed robbers targeted two commercial banks, resulting in the tragic death of three Amotekun security personnel and causing serious harm to innocent bystanders.
This incident followed closely on the heels of the murder of Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, a Director of Finance in Ogun State, who was killed by armed robbers on November 29, 2023, with millions of naira intended for government workers being stolen.
Afenifere underscored the broader issue by pointing to the kidnapping of seven individuals and the killing of one person on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The organization also drew attention to the abduction of a 13-year-old student, Miracle Adereti Kolawole, in the Ikotun area of Lagos.
Reports indicated a series of abductions in various areas of Lagos towards the end of October.
The organization expressed dismay over the situation, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive action to curb the rising tide of criminal activities.
Afenifere called upon President Bola Tinubu to address the underlying political, economic, and ideological factors contributing to insecurity in the country.
Afenifere outlined a four-point plan of action, urging the government to allow states and local government areas to establish police services with enhanced welfare for personnel and modern technology deployment.
Additionally, they called for expedited dispensation of justice for arrested bandits and emphasized the need for addressing socio-economic hardships to empower the populace and restore faith in the government.
The organization also advocated de-radicalization efforts among bandits, coupled with public enlightenment to discourage harbouring of criminals.
Afenifere stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of individuals who provide information to security agencies, emphasizing the need for security agencies to enhance their internal processes for effective implementation of security measures.
