Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over what it described as the growing invasion of South-West Nigeria by terrorists and bandits.
The group called on governments and security agencies in the region to intensify efforts to address the rising wave of insecurity affecting several communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the organisation said the concern among Yoruba people was driven by the increasing incidents of violence and the apparent devaluation of human life in parts of the region.
Afenifere cited several recent attacks across the South-West, including incidents in Ondo State, where churches, police stations, private homes and highways have reportedly come under repeated attacks.
The group also pointed to developments in Kwara State, where some communities were reportedly sacked by armed groups, as well as in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, where farmers have allegedly been killed by suspected bandits.
According to the statement, kidnappings have also been reported in Ekiti State, where abductors allegedly made bizarre and disturbing demands before releasing the corpse of one of their victims.
Ajayi said the kidnappers demanded N1.5 million, Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as ICE, and cartons of canned beer as ransom before they would release the victim’s body.
He further alleged that the abductors also made an outrageous request for virgins to be brought in exchange for four men they had earlier kidnapped.
“The greatest demonstration of the heartlessness of these evil-doers was their demands of N1.5 million, Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as ICE and cartons of canned beer for the release of a corpse in their captivity,” the statement said.
“Up till the recent past, the home environment used to be considered a safe haven. Unfortunately, the situation is no longer so,” Ajayi added.
While noting that cases of terror attacks and kidnappings have become numerous, the Afenifere spokesman stressed that the situation is not beyond control.
He urged South-West state governments to immediately put in place coordinated security measures, including raids on forests and bushes where bandits are believed to be hiding, as well as continuous surveillance operations.
The organisation also called for stronger cooperation with the Federal Government to ensure the swift establishment of state police across the region as part of efforts to restore security and protect lives and property.
