Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, has raised an alarm over the increasing frequency of kidnapping incidents across the South-West, demanding immediate action from the government to protect lives and property.
In a statement signed by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the organisation expressed deep concern regarding several recent violent attacks. These include the abduction of travellers on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road last week, where kidnappers reportedly demanded a N25 million ransom.
The group also highlighted a recent security breach at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan. Afenifere noted that such incidents, involving both commuters on major highways and attacks within institutional premises, demonstrate a worrying trend of insecurity in the region.
Security challenges in the South-West
The rise in kidnappings threatens the stability of the South-West, which serves as a vital economic hub for Nigeria. The targeting of the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road is particularly concerning because the route is a major artery for the movement of goods and people between various parts of the country. High-profile ransom demands and frequent abductions create an environment of fear that can disrupt local commerce and discourage travel.
The increased security risk on major transit routes also threatens the logistics sector, as transport companies face higher operational costs and uncertainty when navigating these areas. The concerns raised in the statement, which was first reported by Channels Television, point to the pressure on state governments to strengthen their security frameworks.
While several states in the South-West have attempted to bolster security through local vigilantes and community policing initiatives, the group suggests these efforts have yet to stem the tide of criminal activity. The incident at the Forestry Research Institute in Ibadan further suggests that criminal elements are becoming more emboldened, moving from highway ambushes to targeting established research and academic environments. This shift in tactics complicates the security landscape for both the general public and security agencies.
As of the time of publication, the Nigerian Police Force has not issued a formal response to the specific claims made by Afenifere or the details of the ransom demands mentioned. The group continues to call for a coordinated response from both federal and state authorities to address the growing threat.
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