The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the recent attacks on schools and communities in Oyo State, warning that Yorubaland is gradually coming under serious security threats.
The organisation made the statement on Sunday following coordinated attacks by suspected terrorists on communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where several pupils and a teacher were abducted.
In a statement issued in Ibadan by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said the latest attacks had strengthened fears that criminal groups were expanding their activities into the South-West region.
The organisation warned that governments in the South-West must urgently take stronger action to prevent insecurity from worsening.
“Yorubaland is now under siege,” Afenifere declared.
The attacks, which occurred on Friday, targeted three schools and nearby communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to reports, armed men invaded the area, killed two persons, burnt a vehicle and abducted more than 45 pupils alongside a teacher before taking them into the forest around the Old Oyo National Park.
The incident has sparked fear among residents and renewed concerns about the spread of kidnapping and banditry into parts of the South-West that were previously considered relatively peaceful.
Reacting to the development, Afenifere sympathised with the victims and families affected by the attacks.
The group also disclosed that its leader, Reuben Fasoranti, was deeply saddened by the incident.
According to the statement, the attack occurred during the same week Fasoranti marked his 100th birthday.
“Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was saddened to hear this unfortunate incident which occurred the same week he marked his 100th year on earth,” Ajayi said.
He added that Fasoranti prayed for the victims and expressed hope that insecurity across the country would soon come to an end.
“He sympathized with the victims and their families, just as he prayed for the quick recovery of those who were injured,” the statement added.
“Besides, he expressed the hope that a total stop would be put to the life-threatening insecurity situation in the country without further delay.”
Afenifere warned that the latest attack should serve as a wake-up call to governors and political leaders in the South-West.
The organisation said the activities of kidnappers, terrorists and bandits were becoming increasingly dangerous and organised, adding that governments must respond with urgency.
According to Ajayi, recent actions by South-West governors do not show enough seriousness about the growing security threats facing the region.
“The actions of South-West governors in recent times do not suggest that they appreciate the enormity of the responsibility they shoulder concerning the security of their land,” he said.
The organisation stressed that the primary responsibility of government is to protect lives and property, urging state governments to live up to their constitutional duties.
“In view of the fact that the primary duty of government is the security and welfare of the people, governments in South-Western states of Nigeria must prove that they are alive to their constitutionally assigned responsibilities,” Ajayi stated.
Afenifere also called for stronger measures to prevent further attacks in any part of the region.
“Everything must be done to ensure that no area in the region experiences an attack by kidnappers and bandits anymore,” he added.
The latest attack in Oyo State has once again drawn attention to the worsening insecurity situation across Nigeria.
Although the South-West has for years been considered safer compared to some parts of the North-East and North-West, incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks and violent crimes have increased in recent years.
Forested areas linking states in the South-West have increasingly become hideouts for criminal groups involved in kidnapping for ransom and other violent activities.
The Old Oyo National Park area, where the abducted pupils were reportedly taken, has also been identified by security analysts as a vulnerable location because of its vast forest coverage stretching across Oyo and neighbouring states.
In response to rising insecurity, some South-West states previously launched regional security initiatives such as the Amotekun Corps to support conventional security agencies.
However, many residents and community leaders have continued to demand stronger coordination, improved intelligence gathering and better equipment for local security outfits.
The incident has also renewed calls for improved security around schools, especially in rural communities where students and teachers are increasingly becoming targets for kidnappers.
In recent years, attacks on schools have become a major concern in Nigeria, particularly after several cases of mass abductions in northern states attracted international attention.
Although security agencies have intensified operations against criminal groups, many communities still complain about poor security presence and delayed response during attacks.
As residents of Oriire Local Government continue to mourn the victims and pray for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teacher, pressure is mounting on security agencies and political leaders to prevent further attacks in the region.