…calls for probe into Fayose’s kidnapping allegation
The Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has lamented the worsening insecurity in the South-West, saying that it is no longer a distant threat but an active experience of deep infiltration by kidnappers and armed groups across multiple states.
Speaking on Wednesday during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, Ogun State, the National Publicity Secretary of rhe organization, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where victims have remained in captivity for over two weeks, is a clear indication that insecurity has moved from peripheral communities into the heart of the South-West.
To him, the situation could no longer be described as emerging threats, insisting that the region is already under direct attack. He said, “It is not just that insecurity is at our doorstep anymore; it is already right inside our communities.
“We are already feeling it, we are already living with it, and what is happening in places like Oriire shows that the situation has gone beyond warnings to reality.”
Ajayi also pointed to earlier incidents in the region, including attacks in border communities and the killing of forest guards in Oriire earlier in the year, which he said were clear warning signs that were not properly acted upon.
He said that those killings should have been treated as a major security signal rather than an isolated incident, arguing that they exposed the vulnerability of rural communities to armed groups operating in forested areas.
He said, “When the forest guards were killed in Oriire, we made it clear that it was not an isolated case. Those men were simply trying to prevent criminal elements from gaining access to communities. Once they were removed, it became obvious that the attackers were clearing the way for larger operations.”
Ajayi further referenced repeated warnings issued by Afenifere over the spread of insecurity from border areas of Kwara State into neighbouring Oyo communities, saying the organisation had consistently flagged the danger of gradual infiltration, noting that communities in parts of Kwara, including Kaiama and Baruten, had already experienced violent attacks that displaced residents and forced traditional rulers to abandon their domains in some cases.
He said, “We have seen communities deserted; we have seen traditional rulers leave their palaces, and in some cases, we have seen entire settlements become unsafe for normal life. When Obas are no longer able to remain in their domains, it means the system has already broken down in those areas.”
Ajayi acknowledged efforts by South-West governors to introduce security measures, including surveillance systems, control rooms, and aerial monitoring tools, but questioned their effectiveness in preventing recurring attacks.
“To him, despite investments in security infrastructure across states such as Oyo, Ogun, and Osun, the continued success of kidnappers points to weak coordination and poor implementation.
According to him, “The question is not just about what has been introduced or announced. The real issue is effectiveness. If these measures were properly harmonised and working efficiently, we would not continue to witness repeated attacks in the same communities.”
Ajayi also criticised what he described as inadequate empowerment of regional security structures such as the Amotekun Corps, saying they remain underfunded and understaffed relative to the scale of the crisis.
“Amotekun is a very good initiative, but the reality is that the personnel are few and not properly equipped to handle the level of insecurity we are facing. In many cases, they lack the logistics and motivation required to operate effectively in dangerous environments”, he said.
In a related question, the Afenifere spokesperson called for a broad and multi-layered investigation into a controversial allegation by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, that recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State may be politically orchestrated to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said, “As for what Governor Fayose said, the allegation, I want to put it, if you permit me to use that word, those who have the authority to investigate matters, I think it is an area they should not forget to look at.”
Carpeting Fayose’s claim against Governor Seyi Makinde, the Afenifere Publicity Secretary said, “There are various layers to this issue, escalating insecurity, kidnapping, and all that.
“That politicians are implicated. Those who are in security agencies are implicated. Some community leaders could be implicated in foreign interests, who are interested in the solid minerals in Nigeria.
“They don’t just stop at kidnapping and getting ransom. They go further by ensuring that they force people out of their communities.
“And if you go and take a look at some places where people have been displaced, the next thing you see is that illegal mining would start occurring in that place”, Ajayi stressed.
