Afenifere Warns Rising Banditry Threatens Security Across South-West
Korede Abdullah 
OYO, Nigeria – The Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere raises alarm over rising banditry across Nigeria’s South-West, urging governors and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and communities.
In a statement issued Saturday, the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi says residents across several states are increasingly worried about kidnappings, killings and violent attacks.
Ajayi lists recent incidents including attacks on churches, police stations and homes in Ondo State, community invasions in Kwara State, and attacks on farmers and travellers along the Igbeti–Kisi road in Oyo State.
“These attacks are shocking, cruel and deeply inhumane,” Ajayi says.
He also describes disturbing ransom demands allegedly made by kidnappers.
“The greatest demonstration of the heartlessness of these criminals was their demand for N1.5 million, cannabis, cocaine, the synthetic drug ICE and cartons of beer for the release of a corpse,” he says.
Ajayi adds that kidnappers even demanded “virgins in exchange for four abducted men,” highlighting the brutality of the criminals.
He warns that growing insecurity has shattered the sense of safety once enjoyed in homes and communities.
“Until recently, the home environment was regarded as a safe haven. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case,” he says.
The group calls on authorities to dismantle bandits’ funding networks, investigate illegal mining activities and identify sponsors of armed groups.
Ajayi also welcomes President Bola Tinubu’s support for the creation of state police and commends the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for setting up a committee on its implementation.
He urges South-West governors to strengthen surveillance operations and raid criminal hideouts to restore public safety.
“Bandits are neither spirits nor invincible,” Ajayi says.
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Otamere Gladness 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius