The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised concerns over the worsening insecurity in parts of the South-West.
Afenifere urged governors in the region to urgently strengthen the South-West Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
This comes amid recent attacks by gunmen on communities in the region, resulting in killings and kidnappings, particularly in Oyo and Ondo states.
In Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, three persons, including a pregnant woman, were recently abducted in Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo and Ayede communities.
Reacting to the development, Afenifere, in a communiqué issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said state governments must be more proactive in safeguarding lives and property.
“Afenifere is very concerned that banditry and kidnapping are now so rampant that they are occurring in the South-West almost on a daily basis.
“The meeting considered this as unacceptable and called on governments, security agencies and community leaders to rise up to the challenges and find lasting solutions to the menace,” the communiqué read in part.
The group lamented that the persistent insecurity was undermining social and economic stability in the region.
“As the saying goes, it’s when one is alive and in good health that one can think of becoming anything. As such, the situation of insecurity in our land leaves a lot to be desired. Afenifere has repeatedly called attention to this menace. We were not just calling attention to the menace, we always provide ideas on the way out,” it said.
Afenifere specifically called on South-West governors to empower Amotekun with the resources needed to function effectively.
“In this wise, we call on state governors in the South-West to empower the security outfit Amotekun. We also appeal to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the state governments to expedite action on the much vaunted State police,” the group added.
While commending the federal government for ongoing road construction and reconstruction projects across the country, Afenifere urged authorities to ensure contractors deliver quality work within agreed timelines.
The organisation stressed that addressing insecurity remains critical to the well-being and development of the South-West and the country at large.
