Rising Terror Threats in Yorubaland: A Call for Immediate Action
The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has sounded the alarm over a surge in terror incidents in states bordering the Southeast, warning that such attacks could lead to bandit incursions into Yorubaland. The organization has raised concerns about the growing insecurity in the region, emphasizing the need for urgent and effective security measures.
In a statement issued by the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere highlighted repeated attacks in Kwara, Kogi, and Niger, as well as recent kidnappings in Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo. These developments have sparked fears among residents, who are increasingly worried about their safety.
Afenifere recalled the tragic attack on the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama, where nearly 200 people were killed and several others abducted. Similar incidents were reported in neighboring Edo, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Katsina during the same period. The group expressed deep concern over the increasing number of abductions in Yorubaland, noting that these acts are no longer confined to remote areas with minimal government presence.
Recent events have further intensified these fears. For instance, a junior secondary school girl was abducted in broad daylight in Ibadan’s Challenge area while being dropped off at school. This incident highlights how kidnappings of schoolchildren, attacks on religious centers, and assaults on markets—once common in Northern states—are now spreading to the Southwest. Kwara state is now also affected by this alarming trend.
Afenifere pointed out that bandits have sent notices of attack on some communities in Kwara State, indicating that the serial sacking of communities and villages, previously seen in the North East and Middle Belt, is now spreading. In response, the organization urged governors of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos, as well as those of Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States, to urgently implement security arrangements that would ensure the safety of their citizens.
Ajayi recalled that the six Southwest governors had resolved at their meeting in Ibadan on November 24, 2025, to work on the security of the region. They planned to establish the South West Security Fund (SWSF) and monitoring centers to track potential terrorists. Recently, the Ogun state government inaugurated closed-circuit television centers (CCTV) for the same purpose.
However, Ajayi emphasized that despite available information, it is not being effectively used to protect the people. He argued that terrorism is becoming pervasive because the information is often misused or ignored. For example, the head of Woro village in Kaiama, Alhaji Umar Bio Salihu, wrote a letter before his village was attacked and forwarded it to higher authorities, but the attack still occurred.
Several concerned individuals and groups have testified that the identities of bandits and their sponsors are not hidden. Yet, those responsible for safeguarding the people have failed to act. Instead, they have colluded with the people’s enemies. Ajayi cited the example of Katsina state, where a ‘Peace Pact’ was signed with bandits, yet attacks continued. He also mentioned the role of middlemen between bandits and governments.
Ajayi stressed that the problem is not a lack of information but the will to use it for the people’s benefit. He advised that the State Police should take immediate action, while communities should be empowered to create local security arrangements. “It is high time governors in Yorubaland go beyond sermonization and swing into decisive actions that will really make the region a very secure place,” Afenifere’s spokesman concluded.
Key Concerns and Calls to Action
- Escalating Terror Incidents: Attacks in Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo have raised alarms.
- Abduction Trends: Kidnappings of schoolchildren and attacks on religious centers and markets are spreading.
- Lack of Effective Response: Despite available information, it is not being properly utilized to protect the people.
- Collusion and Mismanagement: Some officials have been accused of colluding with enemies, while funds meant for security have been misused.
- Need for Immediate Action: Governors are urged to implement effective security measures and move beyond rhetoric.
