Banditry, kidnappings on the rise as Yoruba leaders demand swift response
The South West faces a security crisis, with banditry and kidnappings now a near-daily reality, warns Afenifere. The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group raised the alarm after a special meeting at the residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, expressing frustration over what it called ineffective responses from security agencies.
In a statement, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said the wave of attacks threatens lives, livelihoods, and the region’s long-standing reputation for safety. The group also expressed solidarity with victims of recent attacks in Ilu-Abo, Ondo State, calling for immediate action to halt terror in the region.
Afenifere urged South West governors to strengthen Amotekun with better funding, equipment, and intelligence support and proposed a regional rail network linking Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to boost economic integration and security cooperation.
The group also flagged concerns about the new federal tax regime, arguing that the N800,000 threshold fails to protect low-income earners amid rising inflation.
“A swift, coordinated response is crucial to restore safety, economic stability, and public confidence in Yoruba land,” the communiqué stressed.
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