The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Oyo State and other parts of the South-West region. In a statement released yesterday, the group called for urgent and coordinated action to address the rising wave of kidnappings and banditry.
Afenifere's Statement
Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, described the security developments as disturbing. He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing abducted victims and dismantling criminal hideouts. Afenifere also expressed concern over reports that several traditional rulers in parts of Northern Nigeria had abandoned their palaces due to persistent security threats, warning that the country must not allow bandits and terrorists to gain further ground.
Yoruba for Democratic Values Weighs In
Another Yoruba group, the Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV), has also voiced deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across Yorubaland. In a statement yesterday, the group highlighted the growing incidences of kidnapping, violent attacks, criminal infiltration, and the sacking of communities once known for peace, enterprise, and communal stability. YDV called for urgency, wisdom, and collective responsibility rather than complacency, silence, division, or political grandstanding.
The group urged all major pan-Yoruba organizations, socio-cultural institutions, traditional institutions, youth groups, professional associations, security stakeholders, and community leaders to immediately convene strategic engagements aimed at developing a coordinated regional strategy to address the menace.
Oyo Assembly Cancels Anniversary
In response to the security challenges, the Oyo State House of Assembly has canceled the elaborate activities planned to mark its third anniversary. The decision was based on prevailing security concerns, particularly in the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso axis. Instead of celebrations, the legislature reflected on its performance over the last three legislative years as a critical arm of government.
Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated during plenary yesterday that the decision was informed by recent security challenges and the need to show solidarity with affected areas and residents. He noted that the occasion would have been marked with celebrations and public engagements, but members resolved to focus on governance, legislative responsibilities, and efforts to address the security situation.
Federal Government Plans to Embed Journalists
In a related development, the Federal Government has announced plans to embed journalists with military units during selected operations. This initiative aims to enhance accurate security reporting and deepen public understanding of ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired), made this announcement yesterday during the National Security Summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. The minister, represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (retired), said the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies while improving transparency and public confidence in military operations.
The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together security chiefs, policymakers, media executives, academics, and civil society representatives to deliberate on strategies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. General Musa described the media as a critical partner in national security management, stressing that modern warfare now extends beyond land, air, and maritime domains to include the information space.
NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, said national security could no longer be left solely in the hands of security agencies, noting that journalists and other stakeholders have critical roles to play in safeguarding the country.
