Afenifere Urges South-West Governors to Strengthen Amotekun Against Kidnapping

Afenifere, a major Yoruba socio-political group, is calling for better security in the South-West. This comes after several kidnappings and attacks in the area, including the recent kidnapping of 10 people on the Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan Road in Ogun State.

In a statement from Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, shared concerns about the kidnapping. The victims were traveling from Ijebu-Ode to Ibadan, and their kidnappers demanded a ransom of N25 million.

While Afenifere is glad that the victims were eventually rescued or released, Ajayi said, "We are deeply saddened that these disheartening incidents are occurring at all, as they remind us that much still needs to be done to secure the people and ensure their safety."

To fully end banditry and kidnapping in the region, Afenifere suggested several measures. Ajayi said, "South-West governments should acquire modern, high-grade weapons for the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, so its personnel can match the firepower of armed criminals."

He added that official security agencies and local groups should be combined into tactical squads. This will help patrol areas that are not well monitored, like forests and woodlands. Ajayi also suggested that governments should buy drones, modern communication tools, and quick-response systems to keep an eye on forests and borders.

He called for local government councils to get full financial independence. This would let them fund policing and maintain regular patrols in rural areas that are vulnerable to crime. Ajayi also pushed for mechanised farming and youth training programs to create jobs and prevent young people from joining criminal groups.

Ajayi emphasized the need for strict penalties to discourage banditry and violent crimes. He said, "Effective bottom-up reporting chains should be created so residents can immediately report suspicious movements to ward leaders, community heads, and security agencies."

He urged community leaders, including Obas and Baales, to work closely with security agencies to set up neighborhood watch groups. They should also screen new arrivals in rural areas and maintain local early-warning systems.

Among the recent kidnapping victims was Dapo, who had just finished his National Youth Service Corps scheme in Edo State. Afenifere noted that this incident happened just weeks after some NYSC members traveling from Ibadan were kidnapped in Imo State on October 1, 2026.

The group also pointed out that the abduction at FRIN, along the Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode highway, happened after a similar incident at the same spot a few months earlier. Other violent incidents included the beheading of a farmer in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State and the kidnapping of Prince Michael Folarin in Igbeti, Oyo State.

Afenifere mentioned the abduction of a 33-year-old poultry farmer, Mr Ooreoluwa Osonuga, in Ogun State, and the kidnapping of Honourable Debo Farounbi in Ora, Osun State. There have also been ongoing kidnappings in parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.

Ajayi stressed that the current security situation in Yorubaland needs collective action from Federal and State Governments, security agencies, and local communities. He noted that current regional efforts have not fully tackled the problem.

He mentioned Operation Kosaye, launched by Ogun and Lagos State governments, and the joint security meetings of governors from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. Ajayi said, "While these efforts are acknowledged, the fact that insecurity, particularly kidnapping, persists on our land suggests that current measures are not enough."

Afenifere urged the authorities to take more focused and coordinated action with local communities. They called on all levels of government to prioritize public education and create welfare programs that keep children off the streets, cutting off the recruitment of bandits and criminals.