By Ken Afor
The pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take more innovative and decisive measures to address the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
The call comes amid a spate of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks that have gripped the nation.
Mr. Jare Ajayi, the Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, in a statement released on Saturday,
emphasized the urgent need to “dig deep into the roots of the menace” and probe the motivations behind the criminal activities, which he identified as economic, ideological, and political factors.
Ajayi highlighted the role of community involvement, suggesting that town hall meetings be held to compel residents to identify perpetrators and enter into covenants of peaceful coexistence. “Researches and observations have clearly established that about 90 percent of kidnapping incidents are targeted, and insiders are involved one way or the other,” he stated.
The statement also raised concerns about the potential connivance or lack of professionalism among security officials, citing reports of compromises and kidnappings occurring near police or army checkpoints.
Afenifere called on the government to properly equip and motivate security personnel, lamenting that the weapons in the hands of terrorists are often superior to those of law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the group urged swifter dispensation of justice, citing the prolonged trial of the notorious kidnapper Chukwudimeme Onwamadike, known as Evans, who has been on trial for about seven years.
“Oftentimes, the weapons in the hands of terrorists are superior to the ones in the hands of those who are to apprehend them. Government needs to work harder in this respect. Just as the dispensation of justice should be swifter. The case of Mr. Chukwudimeme Nwamadike a.k.a. Evans, being tried for kidnapping for about seven years comes to mind here.
“The situation was becoming so deplorable as no one seemed to be immune from the danger of being kidnapped. Unfortunately, each incidence is followed by another,” the group stated.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s stated desire to address the security challenges, including the recent approval of digital tracking tools and his remarks at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit, Afenifere expressed concern that recent events have not reflected tangible progress.
The group urged Tinubu to immediately establish state and local government police through an Executive Order, while the constitutional amendment process continues. Additionally, Afenifere called for the deployment of modern security technology, including closed-circuit television sets and drones.
“Afenifere urged President Tinubu to get state and local government police off the ground immediately through the invocation of an Executive Order while the process of amending the Constitution continues. Close circuit television sets, deployment of modern technology for security purposes including drones must be effected immediately.”
