The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to invoke an Executive Order for the establishment of state and local government police forces. In a statement issued by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures, including the deployment of modern technology and close-circuit television (CCTV) in strategic locations to combat insecurity.
Ajayi highlighted recent security challenges, including banditry and kidnapping in several states such as Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Zamfara, and Niger, which have placed Nigeria among the top nations for kidnapping incidents globally. He pointed out ongoing clashes between Fulani herders and farmers in Osun, Ondo, and Oyo States, with Otu, Igbeti, and Alaga in Oyo State being recent hotspots.
Security Measures Proposed
Afenifere’s call for state and local government police aims to provide a more localized and responsive approach to security issues. The group also stressed the importance of utilizing modern security technologies. Ajayi noted President Tinubu’s previous actions to enhance security, such as approving digital tracking tools and addressing the need for greater security at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit in April. However, Ajayi expressed concern that recent events indicate a lack of effective implementation of these security measures.
“President Tinubu should get state and local government police off the ground immediately through the invocation of an Executive Order while the process of amending the Constitution continues,” Ajayi stated. He also emphasized the need for immediate implementation of CCTV and drone technology for surveillance and security.
Recent Security Incidents
Ajayi cited numerous recent incidents to illustrate the severity of the security situation. These included the kidnapping of eight cocoa farmers and three students in Edo State, the payment of a N31 million ransom for three kidnapping victims in Ogun State, and the kidnapping of a woman in Oyo State, during which her guard was killed. Additionally, Hon. Bello Hassan reported that terrorists had displaced about 50 communities and abducted over 500 people in Zamfara State.
Call for Decisive Action
To address these issues, Afenifere urged the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt more innovative and decisive measures. The organization’s statement reflects a broader demand for enhanced security and effective government action to protect citizens and ensure the region’s stability.
“In order to end insecurity, enhance people’s welfare, and ensure the sustenance of Nigeria as one of the top investment destinations in Africa as desired by the government, there is the urgent need by the Federal Government and security agencies to be more innovative and decisive,” Ajayi concluded.
Afenifere’s recommendations underscore the critical need for decentralized police forces and advanced security technologies to tackle Nigeria’s pervasive insecurity challenges effectively.
