The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has sounded a fresh warning over what it described as an alarming rise in banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks across the South West, saying the region is fast becoming unsafe for residents and travellers.
The group raised the concern after a special meeting held at the Akure residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, where members reviewed the security situation across Yoruba land and expressed frustration over what they called the slow response of security agencies.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said criminal activities had assumed a disturbing frequency in the region.
“Incidents of banditry and kidnapping have become almost a daily occurrence in the South West. This trend is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to lives, livelihoods and economic activities,” the group said.
Afenifere faulted existing security measures, insisting that despite repeated assurances, residents of the region continue to live in fear.
“The failure to decisively tackle these crimes raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current security arrangements,” the communiqué added, while calling on federal and state governments to act with urgency.
The organisation also sympathised with the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, the people of the community and the Ondo State Government over a recent attack, describing it as another reminder of the growing insecurity facing the region.
According to Afenifere, “The increasing acts of terrorism across Yoruba land must be halted immediately before the situation gets completely out of hand.”
On regional security collaboration, the group appealed to governors in the South West to further strengthen the Amotekun Corps, noting that improved funding, logistics and intelligence sharing would enhance its effectiveness.
Beyond security, Afenifere proposed the development of a regional rail network linking state capitals in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, with possible extensions to Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states. It said such infrastructure would boost economic integration while also improving security surveillance across the region.
The group also reviewed the newly introduced federal tax regime, warning that low-income earners may still be negatively affected despite government assurances.
While acknowledging the intention to ease the burden on workers, Afenifere called for an upward review of the N800,000 tax threshold.
“To genuinely protect low-income Nigerians, the threshold should be reviewed upwards in line with current economic realities,” the group said.
Afenifere urged authorities at all levels to treat both insecurity and economic pressures as national emergencies requiring immediate and practical solutions.
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