Following the coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has expressed dismay and charged state governments on what to do.
The organization, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, also sympathized with families of the victims of the attacks.
DAILY POST reports that terrorists on motorbikes had on Friday attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
No fewer than 45 students were abducted by the terrorists during the attacks.
Reacting, Afenifere’s spokesperson said the organization’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, “was saddened to hear this unfortunate incident which occurred the same week he marked his 100th year on earth.
“He sympathized with the victims and their families just as he prayed for the quick recovery of those who were injured. Besides, he expressed the hope that a total stop would be put to the life-threatening insecurity situation in the country without further delay.”
Ajayi declared that the latest attacks reinforced growing fears that the terrorists appeared determined to overrun the South-West and, ultimately, the entire South.
According to him, actions of South-West governors in recent times “do not suggest that they appreciate the enormity of the responsibility they shoulder concerning the security of their land.
“In view of the fact that the primary duty of government is the security and welfare of the people, governments in South-Western states of Nigeria must prove that they are alive to their constitutionally assigned responsibilities.
“Everything must be done to ensure that no area in the region experiences an attack by kidnappers and bandits anymore,” he said.
Disclosing that Yorubaland has been infiltrated, Ajayi called on the six governors in the region to let the security of their people become their topmost priority.
“Every necessary step must be taken to ensure that terrorists do not have a place, not to talk of a foothold, in Yorubaland – from Lagos up to Kogi, including Edo and Delta states,” he said.
He added that while the federal government has the onerous duty of ensuring the security and welfare of Nigerians, governors have the sacred responsibility of using the resources at their disposal to secure their people and guarantee their welfare.
