Afenifere Warns Rising Insecurity Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that the worsening security situation across Nigeria is threatening the country’s democratic achievements, urging federal and state governments to take more decisive action against criminal activities.

The group raised the alarm in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, noting that the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes had cast a shadow over Nigeria’s celebration of 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

Afenifere expressed concern over the security challenges confronting several parts of the country, particularly following revelations by Seyi Makinde that the abductors of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were operating from a large forest spanning 10 local government areas.

According to the organisation, the development showed the worsening security situation in the South-West and highlighted the urgent need for stronger collaboration among security agencies and government authorities.

The group said the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states in May, alongside several other kidnapping incidents nationwide, affected what should have been a period of celebration for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Ajayi cited the recent abduction of the monarch of Odo-Oriya in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Adeniyi Adelana, as one of the incidents reflecting the growing vulnerability of traditional institutions.

He also referenced attacks along the Igbeti-Igboho-Kisi axis of Oyo State, where suspected bandits reportedly killed residents, as well as the abduction of members of a family in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area.

The Afenifere spokesman described the increasing attacks on traditional rulers as disturbing, warning that the trend was weakening the authority and respect traditionally associated with Yoruba monarchs.

“It is embarrassing because our Obas, who used to be symbols of authority and power, are now being picked up like lame ducks,” Ajayi said.

He recalled that attacks on traditional rulers had continued since January 2024, when gunmen ambushed the convoy of three monarchs in Ekiti State, killing the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin.

Afenifere called for a coordinated security strategy to restore confidence among citizens and protect lives and property across the country.