Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, has expressed deep concern about the resurgence of armed robbery in the South-West region of Nigeria.
The organization has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action to address the increasing cases of insecurity, particularly armed robbery and kidnapping.
In a statement released on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere expressed alarm over recent armed robbery attacks, citing the incident at two commercial banks in Ikere, Ekiti State, last Wednesday.
The attack resulted in the tragic death of three Amotekun security personnel and caused serious harm to other innocent individuals.
Afenifere highlighted that the Ekiti incident occurred shortly after the murder of Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, a Director of Finance in Ogun State, who was killed on November 29, 2023, in Abeokuta by armed robbers who made away with millions of naira designated for government workers.
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The organization also pointed to recent incidents, such as the kidnapping of seven people and the killing of one person on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as well as the abduction of a 13-year-old student, Miracle Adereti Kolawole, in the Ikotun area of Lagos on December 1, 2023.
Afenifere expressed concern about the increasing frequency of abductions in various areas of Lagos, citing reported incidents in Ikotun, Okota, Ejigbo, Alimosho, Egbeda, Agege, and Amuwo Odofin.
The organization called on Bola Tinubu to address the root causes of insecurity in the country, urging urgent measures to allow states and local government areas to establish and control police services.
Afenifere emphasized the need for enhanced welfare for security personnel, the deployment of modern technology for security purposes, and a faster dispensation of justice for those arrested for banditry.
Additionally, Afenifere stressed the importance of taking urgent steps to alleviate socio-economic hardships in the country, empowering the people, and fostering faith in the government.
The organization also advocated for de-radicalization efforts and enlightenment campaigns to discourage the cover-up of known criminals within communities.