… Alleges possible political, economic motives
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called for a comprehensive investigation into claims that recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State may be politically motivated, warning that insecurity in the South-West has assumed a more complex and dangerous dimension.
The group, which raised fresh concerns over escalating attacks across the region, said security agencies must probe allegations made by former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, that kidnappings in Oyo could be aimed at undermining the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, who spoke during a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ogun State, said the claim should not be dismissed without scrutiny, noting that the security crisis may involve multiple actors and hidden interests.
“As for what Fayose said, those with the authority to investigate must not overlook it. There are several layers to the insecurity challenge, and all angles must be examined,” he said.
Ajayi warned that beyond the surface of abductions for ransom, there were indications that some criminal networks could be pursuing broader objectives, including the displacement of communities for economic gains.
“In some affected areas, once people are forced out, illegal mining activities often follow. This suggests a more organised agenda beyond kidnapping,” he added.
The Afenifere spokesman also reiterated that insecurity in the South-West was no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality confronting residents across communities.
He cited the recent abduction of residents in Oriire Local Government Area, where victims have reportedly remained in captivity for over two weeks, as evidence that criminal elements have penetrated deep into the region.
“It is no longer at our doorstep; it is already inside our communities. People are living with fear daily,” Ajayi said.
He recalled earlier warnings issued by the group following the killing of forest guards in Oriire, describing the incident as a precursor to the current wave of attacks.
According to him, the killing of the guards created a security vacuum that emboldened armed groups to establish footholds in vulnerable rural areas.
Ajayi further pointed to persistent violence in parts of Kwara State, particularly in border communities such as Kaiama and Baruten, noting that the spillover of attacks into neighbouring South-West states had long been anticipated.
He lamented that several communities have been deserted, with residents fleeing and some traditional rulers reportedly abandoning their palaces due to insecurity.
“When traditional rulers can no longer remain in their domains, it reflects a breakdown of local security structures,” he said.
While acknowledging efforts by state governments to deploy surveillance systems and other security measures, Ajayi questioned their impact, citing recurring attacks in the same locations.
“The problem is not the absence of measures but their effectiveness. If properly coordinated, we should not be witnessing repeated incidents,” he stated.
He also criticised the underfunding and inadequate staffing of the regional security outfit, Amotekun Corps, describing it as overstretched in the face of growing threats.
“Amotekun is a good initiative, but it lacks the manpower and logistics required to tackle the scale of insecurity we are facing,” he said.
Afenifere, therefore, urged the Federal and state governments to adopt a more coordinated, intelligence-driven approach to tackling insecurity, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal networks and further destabilise the South-West.
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