The prominent Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has issued a strong call to action to governors in Nigeria's South-West region. The group is urging them to urgently implement their previous security commitments in response to a recent surge in violent attacks across Yorubaland and other parts of the country.
Recent Attacks Prompt Security Alarm
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Afenifere detailed a series of disturbing security breaches. The organisation highlighted the killing of Forest Guards at the Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire Local Council. It also referenced the murder of four farmers in Igboho, Oorelope Local Council, Oyo State.
Further incidents cited include the abduction of a nursing mother and her child in Supare/Ajegunle, Akoko South Local Council of Ondo State. Afenifere also noted the apprehension of bandits in Ondo who allegedly fled from Sokoto, and the burning of a police station in Ipele, Ondo State.
Governors' Ibadan Resolution Under Scrutiny
Ajayi directly challenged the South-West governors to breathe life into the resolutions made at their security meeting in Ibadan on November 24, 2025. At that summit, the governors agreed to establish a South-West Security Fund (SWSF). This fund was designed to create a 'Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform'.
The proposed platform aims to facilitate the exchange of critical information, including:
- Threat notifications and incident logs.
- Traveller and cargo alerts.
- Coordinated rapid responses between states.
Afenifere is now pressing the governors to move swiftly from planning to action, jointly acquiring the necessary resources to secure the region.
National Context and Call for Constitutional Change
The Afenifere spokesman placed the South-West incidents within a broader national crisis. He referenced terrorist attacks in Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Southern Kaduna. A specific mention was made of the attack on guests at a wedding in Kunza, Ashige, Lafia Local Council of Nasarawa on December 30, 2025.
Ajayi also acknowledged a successful military operation where the Third Division of the Nigerian Army foiled an attack in Plateau State on New Year's Eve, eliminating five bandits.
On the structural solution, Afenifere reiterated its support for state police. Ajayi suggested that, pending a constitutional amendment, a presidential order could be issued to ensure that the existing police structure at state and community levels is populated by indigenes or residents of the area. He argued this should be feasible given the recent agreement between governors and the President on the necessity of state police.
The statement concluded with a warning against complacency, noting that while rumoured large-scale attacks during the festive period did not materialise, the presence of detected terrorist cells in the region means the threat remains imminent and demands immediate, concerted action.
