The Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised fresh alarm over the worsening insecurity in the South-West, declaring that the region is no longer facing a distant threat but is already experiencing active infiltration by kidnappers and armed groups across multiple states.
Speaking on Wednesday during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, Ogun State, National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where victims have remained in captivity for over two weeks, is a clear indication that insecurity has moved from peripheral communities into the heart of the South-West.
He stressed that the situation can no longer be described as emerging threats, insisting that the region is already under direct attack.
According to him, “It is not just that insecurity is at our doorstep anymore, it is already right inside our communities. We are already feeling it, we are already living with it, and what is happening in places like Oriire shows that the situation has gone beyond warnings to reality.”
Ajayi also pointed to earlier incidents in the region, including attacks in border communities and the killing of forest guards in Oriire earlier in the year, which he said were clear warning signs that were not properly acted upon.
He explained that those killings should have been treated as a major security signal rather than an isolated incident, arguing that they exposed the vulnerability of rural communities to armed groups operating in forested areas.
He said, “When the forest guards were killed in Oriire, we made it clear that it was not an isolated case. Those men were simply trying to prevent criminal elements from gaining access to communities. Once they were removed, it became obvious that the attackers were clearing the way for larger operations.”
Ajayi further referenced repeated warnings issued by Afenifere over the spread of insecurity from border areas of Kwara State into neighbouring Oyo communities, saying the organisation had consistently flagged the danger of gradual infiltration.
He noted that communities in parts of Kwara, including Kaiama and Baruten, had already experienced violent attacks that displaced residents and forced traditional rulers to abandon their domains in some cases.
He said, “We have seen communities deserted, we have seen traditional rulers leave their palaces, and in some cases, we have seen entire settlements become unsafe for normal life. When Obas are no longer able to remain in their domains, it means the system has already broken down in those areas.”
Ajayi acknowledged efforts by South-West governors to introduce security measures, including surveillance systems, control rooms, and aerial monitoring tools, but questioned their effectiveness in preventing recurring attacks.
He argued that despite investments in security infrastructure across states such as Oyo, Ogun, and Osun, the continued success of kidnappers’ points to weak coordination and poor implementation.
According to him, “The question is not just about what has been introduced or announced. The real issue is effectiveness. If these measures were properly harmonised and working efficiently, we would not continue to witness repeated attacks in the same communities.”
The Afenifere spokesperson also criticised what he described as inadequate empowerment of regional security structures such as the Amotekun Corps, saying they remain underfunded and understaffed relative to the scale of the crisis.
He said, “Amotekun is a very good initiative, but the reality is that the personnel are few and not properly equipped to handle the level of insecurity we are facing. In many cases, they lack the logistics and motivation required to operate effectively in dangerous environments.”
Ajayi stressed that security responsibility must be shared between federal and state governments, noting that governors still receive monthly security allocations which should be directed toward strengthening local response systems.
He added that intelligence gathering alone is not enough unless it is matched with swift operational response, warning that delays often give criminals the upper hand.
Ajayi said, “The problem is not that intelligence is not being gathered. The problem is what is done with that intelligence. When information is available but action is delayed, the system becomes reactive instead of preventive, and that is exactly what we are seeing today.”
He further expressed concern over the situation of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing their continued captivity as a humanitarian emergency requiring urgent action.
He said, “These are innocent children who have nothing to do with whatever the attackers want. They are being held in very harsh conditions, and the longer they remain there, the more physical, emotional and psychological damage they suffer. This is why urgent action is needed.”
Ajayi argued that the first few days after any kidnapping incident are critical, insisting that delayed response often worsens the crisis and emboldens perpetrators.
He maintained that, “If decisive action is taken within the first two or three days, many of these situations do not escalate to this level. Delay only strengthens the criminals and weakens the chances of a quick resolution.”
On public protests demanding the release of abducted victims, Ajayi said while citizens have the right to express frustration, government inaction often creates the conditions that lead to such demonstrations.
He noted that both negotiation and force must be carefully balanced, depending on the situation, but insisted that government must always maintain the upper hand.
Ajayi said, “Government must always rise above the situation. It has more information, more resources, and legitimate authority. There are times when you use persuasion and there are times when you use force, but what is important is that criminals must not be allowed to dictate the pace of events.”
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