Rising Insecurity Endangering Nigeria’s Democracy, Afenifere Warns

Afenifere has cautioned that Nigeria’s worsening security crisis is eroding the gains of democratic governance and called for a more decisive response from both federal and state authorities to tackle banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group made the call in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, saying the country’s security challenges have cast a shadow over the celebration of 27 years of uninterrupted democracy.

The organisation pointed to a recent statement by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who disclosed that kidnappers responsible for abducting schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area were operating from a vast forest covering 10 local government areas.

According to Afenifere, the revelation underscores the deteriorating security situation in the South-West and highlights the need for immediate action.

The group observed that the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, alongside other abductions across the country, tainted what should have been a period of national reflection on democratic progress.

Ajayi listed a number of recent incidents, including the kidnapping of the monarch of Odo-Oriya in Ondo State, Oba Adeniyi Adelana, who was abducted from his palace while his wife suffered gunshot wounds during the attack.

He also cited attacks in the Igbeti-Igboho-Kisi corridor of Oyo State, where bandits reportedly killed at least two people, and the abduction of members of a family in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area.

The Afenifere spokesman described the growing trend of attacks on traditional rulers as alarming, saying it weakens the prestige and authority traditionally associated with the institution.

“It is embarrassing because our Obas, who used to be symbols of authority and power, are now being picked up like lame ducks,” he said.

Ajayi recalled that attacks on monarchs intensified following the January 2024 ambush of three traditional rulers in Ekiti State, which resulted in the deaths of Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola and Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin.

He further noted that the Olukoro of Koro, Oba Segun Aremu, was later killed during an invasion of his palace, while several other traditional rulers have suffered similar attacks.

The organisation also referenced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died in captivity after being kidnapped with his wife in Katsina State.

Ajayi said the incident illustrates the seriousness of Nigeria’s insecurity and the growing confidence of criminal gangs.

He echoed warnings by former Army Chief Tukur Buratai, who suggested that criminals could eventually target top political office holders if the situation remains unchecked.

“When the situation degenerates to that level, what remains for the country? It would mean that bandits are taking over. But for that not to happen, governments and security agencies must re-strategise and be firmer in their response,” he said.

While acknowledging observations by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on the roots of insecurity in northern Nigeria, Afenifere argued that authorities have not done enough to confront the challenge.

The group said insecurity persists because criminal elements and their sponsors have not been decisively dealt with and warned that minimising the threat only emboldens perpetrators.

It added that the failure to curb banditry in the North has had direct implications for southern communities, particularly in the South-West, where security agencies have linked some criminal activities to groups operating from northern regions.

Afenifere urged South-West governors to strengthen collaborative security efforts and called on the Federal Government to intensify nationwide measures aimed at restoring peace and stability.

According to the group, safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy requires firm and sustained action against criminals and those supporting them.

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