Afenifere Raises Alarm Over Banditry, Kidnappings Across Nigeria

…Cites school kidnappings, attacks on monarchs and rising terror threats

…Calls for coordinated action by federal and state governments, warns terrorists are becoming increasingly emboldened

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across Nigeria, describing recent incidents of abductions and attacks as a stain on the nation’s 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group said the revelation by Seyi Makinde that abductors of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State are hiding in a forest spanning ten local government areas has heightened concerns about insecurity in Yorubaland and the country at large.

Afenifere noted that the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, alongside other violent attacks across the country, cast a shadow over the celebration of 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

The group also cited the recent abduction of the traditional ruler of Odo-Oriya in Ondo State, attacks in parts of Oyo State, and the increasing cases of kidnappings involving traditional rulers and ordinary citizens.

The organisation lamented what it described as the humiliation of traditional institutions, recalling the killings and abductions of several monarchs in recent years.

It also referenced the abduction and death of retired army officer Rabe Abubakar, warning that the growing audacity of bandits and terrorists poses a serious threat to national security.

Afenifere called on federal and state governments to adopt more decisive strategies against insecurity, insisting that the failure of northern governments and influential leaders to effectively confront banditry is worsening security challenges across the country.

The group urged Southwest governors to strengthen regional security collaboration while pressing the Federal Government to take stronger action against criminals and their sponsors.