Insecurity: Afenifere Supports Igboho’s Fight Against Kidnapping in Oke-Ogun

…Insists his ultimatum was aimed at criminal elements

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over his recent actions aimed at tackling kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Oyo State.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group said Igboho’s comments were directed at criminals involved in kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, and not against any particular ethnic group.

Afenifere stressed that the activist’s concern was the safety of residents and the protection of communities from criminal elements.

The organisation’s reaction followed criticisms from several northern groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum and the Coalition of Northern Groups, which condemned Igboho’s recent ultimatum to kidnappers operating along the Igboho-Igbeti-Kisi axis of Oke-Ogun in Oyo State.

The ultimatum came after the abduction of a pregnant woman and two other residents in the area.

Afenifere maintained that there was nothing unlawful in Igboho’s actions, noting that he neither engaged in violence nor violated any law.

The group argued that calling on authorities to sanction him amounted to an attempt to silence legitimate concerns over rising insecurity in the region.

The organisation also attributed worsening insecurity in parts of the South-West to activities of criminal herders, illegal miners and terrorist elements allegedly displaced from other parts of the country, urged northern leaders to address the root causes of terrorism and criminality by tackling youth unemployment, poverty and lack of education.

Meanwhile, Afenifere commended President Bola Tinubu for forwarding the State Police Bill to the National Assembly and praised lawmakers for expediting consideration of the proposal.

The group called on state Houses of Assembly and governors across the federation to support the initiative, establish state police services, and ensure proper recruitment, training, funding and welfare for personnel to enhance security nationwide.