South-West insecurity concerns deepen as Afenifere urges governors to act after attacks on schools in Oyo State

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has expressed deep concern over rising insecurity in the South-West following attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

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In a statement issued by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said its leader, Reuben Fasoranti, was saddened by the incident, which occurred during the same week he marked his 100th birthday.

Fasoranti sympathised with the victims and their families while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured during the attacks.

The organisation warned that the growing pattern of kidnappings and violent attacks across the South-West and parts of Kwara State suggested that criminal groups might be attempting to spread instability across the region.

Afenifere said the actions taken so far by South-West governors did not reflect the level of urgency required to confront the worsening security situation.

The group questioned the progress of earlier security initiatives announced by governors, including CCTV surveillance projects, deployment of monitoring aircraft and other regional security strategies.

According to Afenifere, governments at the state level must intensify efforts to protect lives and property, stressing that security and welfare remain the primary responsibilities of government.

The organisation urged governors across the South-West to prioritise the safety of residents and ensure that kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements no longer operate freely within the region.

Despite its concerns, Afenifere commended the swift response of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, who reportedly visited the scene after the kidnapping incident and launched the Police Violent Crime Response Unit.

The group expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen efforts to combat crimes such as abduction, banditry and violent attacks.

Afenifere added that although the Federal Government bears responsibility for national security, governors also have a constitutional duty to deploy available resources and security structures to safeguard residents in their respective states.

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The latest warning comes amid growing public anxiety over persistent attacks and abductions in several communities across the South-West, with residents increasingly demanding decisive government action.