The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has recently urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently convene a meeting with community leaders and other key stakeholders to address the escalating issue of national insecurity. This call comes in the wake of a surge in kidnapping cases across Nigeria.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, expressed deep concern about the involvement of insiders in these kidnapping incidents. He suggested that those with prior connections to the victims might be either masterminds or collaborators in these crimes. The organization also echoed the concerns raised by Major General Ali-Keffi, a former General Officer Commanding, who indicated the potential involvement of some corrupt security personnel in these activities.
Recent incidents in states like Oyo, Abuja, and Niger have further solidified Afenifere’s worries, as they appear to point towards the participation of insiders or conspirators. The organization speculates that these acts could be motivated by desires for hegemony and territorial control.
Afenifere emphasized the urgency for President Tinubu’s administration to take decisive actions to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians. They proposed the initiation of urgent cluster meetings with communities to discuss the dangers and repercussions of kidnapping. The organization also advocates for the implementation of severe penalties, including capital punishment, for those found guilty of such crimes.
Strengthening the nation’s security agencies is another critical area of focus for Afenifere. They suggest bolstering these agencies with more personnel, better equipment, improved remuneration, and incentives. The deployment of modern technology for surveillance is also seen as vital in this fight against crime.
A key proposal from Afenifere is the establishment of a multi-level policing system. This system would allow states and local government areas to operate their own police forces. Afenifere believes that such a system, along with the achievements of the Amotekun Corps in the South West, could significantly reduce criminal activities, including kidnappings.
Afenifere maintains that these state-operated police forces must be managed responsibly to prevent potential abuse. They remain hopeful that these measures, if implemented, can effectively curb the current wave of criminality and insecurity plaguing the nation.
The statement concluded with a call for President Tinubu to exhibit the necessary political will to confront and resolve this alarming situation. Afenifere expressed confidence in the Tinubu-led government’s capacity to address these issues, underlining the need for immediate and effective action to restore peace and stability in Nigeria.
