Igbeti-Igboho Attack: Afenifere Commends Makinde on the Purchase of Surveillance Aircraft, Calls For Immediate Deployment

…As Group warns against security “Indcators” as it raises concern over attacks across Southwest

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended the Oyo State Government for procuring two surveillance aircraft to strengthen security operations in the state, urging the government to urgently deploy the aircraft following the recent attack on the Igbeti-Igboho Road and other emerging security threats across the South-West.

Afenifere also praised the prompt visit of the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, to the scene of the attack on Monday, as well as the steps reportedly being taken by security agencies to address the situation.

The organisation made its position known in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, while expressing concern over the reported upsurge in banditry, kidnapping and alleged terror threats across parts of the South-West and neighbouring states.

Afenifere cited the recent attack on the Igbeti-Igboho Road, kidnapping incidents in Ondo, Kwara and Kogi states, as well as an alert by the Department of State Services, DSS, over alleged plans by terrorists to attack worship centres, schools, markets, motor parks and other public gathering points in Osun State.

The organisation recalled that bandits had reportedly attacked the base of Operation Burst inside the Forest Reserve of the Oyo National Park, setting the security base and an operational vehicle ablaze.

Although no life was reportedly lost in the incident, Afenifere said the development was worrisome, particularly in view of the earlier security crisis in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

It noted that the Forest Guards’ base in Oriire was previously attacked, resulting in the death of five officers, before the subsequent abduction of teachers and pupils in the area, with some people reportedly losing their lives.

According to Afenifere, such incidents could serve as warning signals ahead of more devastating attacks if urgent measures are not taken.

Ajayi said the organisation was particularly concerned that security threats in some parts of the country had often been preceded by what he described as “indicators” or minor attacks intended to test the preparedness of security agencies and communities.

Afenifere therefore called on security agencies, political leaders, religious leaders and community leaders to treat all security alerts seriously and work collectively towards preventing further attacks.

The organisation also urged security agencies to pay closer attention to groups of armed persons moving in convoys, noting that terrorists and bandits often use motorcycles to carry out attacks and move through communities.

Afenifere recommended enhanced surveillance through modern security technology, increased security presence in forest areas and the reduction of areas regarded as “ungoverned spaces.”

It further called for the mobilisation of traditional rulers, local hunters and community leaders to strengthen security within their respective communities.

The organisation also urged the relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of having links with banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in accordance with the law, including the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Afenifere finally appealed to governors in the South-West to implement previous decisions and pronouncements aimed at tackling insecurity in the region, including resolutions reached at the South-West security meeting held in Ibadan on November 25, 2025, as well as the proposed reactivation of Operation Kọ́ṣẹ́yẹ between Lagos and Ogun states.