The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has strongly condemned the recent killing of Nelson Adepoyigi, Ward 5 chairman of the APC in Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, by kidnappers. The group also decried the abduction of 100-year-old Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Kogi State.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere highlighted that these tragic incidents are part of a broader pattern of terrorism and kidnappings spreading across various states, including Benue, Plateau, Borno, Katsina, Nassarawa, Niger, and Sokoto.
Ajayi cited further security breaches in the Yoruba areas of Kogi State, such as a December attack in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, where bandits abducted eight people after a violent raid. He also referenced recent killings in Plateau State’s Werreng community linked to cattle rustling in Riyom LGA.
Despite these concerns, Afenifere praised President Bola Tinubu for his resolve to combat insecurity. The group welcomed his directives to service chiefs and the approval of armed forest guards aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forestlands from criminal elements, thereby enhancing internal security.
The organisation urged swift establishment of the long-discussed state police system, noting growing consensus among governors to adopt this measure to curb banditry and crime. Afenifere referenced the recent backing of state police by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern States Traditional Council during a meeting in Gombe led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who also chairs the NGF.
Additionally, Afenifere commended the National Assembly for upgrading the College of Agriculture in Kabba to a University of Agriculture and the College of Health Sciences in Egbe to a University of Medicine and Health Sciences, celebrating these as positive developments amid the security challenges.
