Afenifere Seeks Immediate Rescue of Oriire Abductees

…Urges Review of State Police Bill, Renewed Push for Restructuring

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on the Federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The appeal is contained in a communiqué signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, following Afenifere’s caucus meeting held at the residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.

The meeting, attended by delegates from eight states, reviewed issues relating to insecurity, politics, the economy and constitutional reforms.

Afenifere expressed concern that about 50 days after the abduction, the victims are yet to regain their freedom.

The organisation described the development as worrisome and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers without further delay.

It also called on governors in the South-West, as well as Kogi and Kwara states, to take more decisive steps to tackle rising insecurity across the region.

The group also threw its weight behind the proposed State Police Bill currently before the National Assembly but called for a review of provisions it said could leave state police under excessive federal control, urged lawmakers to place policing on the Concurrent Legislative List to guarantee greater operational autonomy for states.

Afenifere further condemned the reported attack on students of Osun State University by suspected army recruits, calling for a thorough investigation and reforms in the recruitment and training of security personnel.

The organisation also appealed to politicians to embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 general elections, reiterated its call for the restructuring of Nigeria, and urged governments at all levels to strengthen security agencies through improved funding, equipment, intelligence gathering and the identification of collaborators aiding criminal activities.