The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Friday called on the authorities and security agencies to combat the scourge of insecurity in some parts of the country.
Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, expressed worry over the rise in the scourge of insecurity across the country.
According to Afenifere, there is the need for the authorities and the security agencies to ensure that banditry becomes a thing of the past.
The statement read in part, “We are deeply concerned about what is happening to our people in Kwara state and other places because an injury to one is an injury to all. We recall that a Yoruba Oba, Oba James Ogunyanda, Obalohun of Okoloke, Yagba West local government area of Kogi state was also kidnapped some months ago.
“Incidents of this nature in any part of the country are of concern to us because every Nigerian deserves to be living in peace and in safety. This is why we are calling on the authorities, security agencies and community leaders to rise up to the challenge.”
It lamented that reports based on investigations carried out banditry had become difficult to be curtailed “because of the complicity of some unscrupulous security officials, unscrupulous political and community leaders as well as saboteurs within the communities where kidnapping and banditry are rampart.”
It called on those perpetrating the act to stop, warning that “doing so is endangering the lives and property of innocent people,” adding that safety and security were very crucial to the well-being of the people.
“Afenifere called for urgent steps to put insecurity at bay. Safety and security create a conducive atmosphere for peace which in turn engenders social cohesion, economic growth and enhancement of general well-being.”