The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has issued a stern warning to the governors of the South-West region, urging them to take immediate and concrete steps to secure their states in light of a growing threat posed by an influx of bandits. The call comes after recent revelations by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who confirmed the alarming rise of bandit activities in the region, particularly due to the displacement of criminals from the North-West.
The statement was delivered by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, who stressed the urgency of the matter, describing the security situation as one that can no longer be ignored.
“We are witnessing an unsettling surge in the presence of bandits in the South-West. This development, as highlighted by Governor Makinde, demands a swift and coordinated response from all South-West governors,” Ajayi said in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Governor Makinde’s Alarming Revelation
Governor Seyi Makinde’s disclosure, made during the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers in Ibadan, has raised serious concerns about the security of the region. The Governor revealed that bandits, who had been displaced from their strongholds in the North-West due to military operations, were now infiltrating Oyo State, with the potential to spread further across the South-West.
In an emotionally charged address, Governor Makinde shared a chilling personal experience to underscore the gravity of the situation. “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones,” Makinde explained. “To underscore the seriousness of the issue, let me share a personal experience. While attending my birthday retreat at Fashola, near Oyo Alaafin, less than two kilometers from where I was staying, bandits had set up camp. This demonstrates the critical nature of the threat we face.”
This revelation was a wake-up call for many, as it exposed how vulnerable even peaceful and rural communities can be to criminal elements seeking refuge in more tranquil areas.
Afenifere Calls for Regional Unity and Immediate Action
In response to this security breach, Afenifere has called for an immediate summit of all South-West governors. The aim of this summit would be to devise a robust strategy to expel the bandits from the region and prevent further infiltration. The organization emphasized that the security of the South-West should be prioritized above all else.
“The disclosure from Governor Makinde is not a matter that should be taken lightly,” Comrade Ajayi asserted. “We urge the governors to come together, meet urgently, and put together a plan that not only pushes back the bandits but ensures they cannot return.”
Ajayi further explained that such a meeting should include key stakeholders such as security agencies, local vigilantes, and traditional rulers. These groups, he suggested, could form a crucial part of the strategy to maintain peace and protect the people.
“We need more than just words; we need action,” Ajayi continued. “There is a pressing need to equip our security agencies with modern tools and technology. Our vigilantes, known as ‘Ode,’ must be better equipped, and traditional rulers must work hand-in-hand with local authorities to report any suspicious activity.”
Afenifere also recommended that security forces be offered adequate incentives to work efficiently. “It is essential that those on the frontlines, including our security personnel, receive incentives that will motivate them to give their best. Without functional, up-to-date equipment and modern surveillance technologies, we cannot hope to address the issue effectively,” Ajayi concluded.
The Urgency of Community Involvement
In addition to government action, Afenifere stressed the importance of community engagement in the fight against banditry. It called on local leaders, especially traditional rulers and community heads, to remain vigilant and report any signs of insecurity.
“We must create a culture of awareness,” Ajayi urged. “If local people in areas like Fashola had been more alert, the threat posed by these bandits could have been identified earlier. It is crucial that everyone plays their part in ensuring that such dangers are identified before they escalate.”
Afenifere’s warning reflects growing concerns about the safety of communities across the South-West, particularly in rural areas that may be vulnerable to the encroachment of criminal elements. While the state and federal governments are already grappling with the national security situation, Afenifere believes that the situation in the South-West requires immediate and focused intervention.
A Broader Problem Across Nigeria
The problem of banditry is not unique to the South-West; it is part of a larger trend of insecurity that has been growing across Nigeria, especially in the northern regions. Displaced bandits from the North-West have been seeking refuge in various parts of the country, and the South-West is increasingly becoming a target. This has led to widespread anxiety, especially in areas that were once considered peaceful.
Many experts argue that the rising threat of banditry is linked to larger socio-economic issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of governance in rural areas. These factors, coupled with the increased use of technology by criminal groups, have made it harder for the authorities to clamp down on banditry effectively.
Afenifere’s Message: Time for Action
For Afenifere, the message is clear: the South-West governors must act decisively before the situation gets worse. The organization has emphasized that without quick and coordinated efforts, the region could face the same insecurity that has plagued other parts of the country.
The South-West, which includes Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, has long been a hub of economic activity and cultural heritage. Afenifere’s plea underscores the need to preserve the peace and security of the region, which is vital for both the residents and the broader nation.
