Post by Ibadan Watch (@Ibadanwatch)

Terror Attacks : Yorubaland Now Under Siege - Afenifere Declares.

Afenifere, has raised the alarm over what it described as a coordinated wave of terror attacks across the South West geopolitical zone, declaring that Yorubaland is now effectively under siege.

The apex body’s declaration followed a recent surge in killings, abduction of schoolchildren, highway ambushes & targeted kidnappings that have triggered widespread anxiety across regional boundaries.

In a statement issued on Sunday, by the group’s publicity secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, following an emergency meeting of its leadership, Afenifere expressed deep concern over the apparent helplessness of state actors, warning that the economic & social fabric of the region is facing an existential threat.

According to the organisation, the frequency of attacks on major arterial roads connecting South West states & schools, indicated that criminal syndicates & terrorist elements have established deep footholds in the region’s forests.

The organisation condemned attacks by terrorists on motorbikes against Baptist Nursery & Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; & L.A. Primary School all in Oriire Local Govt area of Oyo on Friday, May 15th.

“Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was saddened to hear this unfortunate incident which occurred the same week he marked his 100th year on earth. He sympathised with the victims & their families just as he prayed for the quick recovery of those who were injured.

Afenifere commended the swift visit of IGP Tunji Disu to Oriire arena of Friday’s kidnap & the inauguration of Police’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at Ibadan by Gov Makinde on Saturday, May 16, 2026 & expressed the hope that the initiatives will lead to the prevention of crimes including banditry.

Afenifere stated that the recent targeting of traditional rulers, travelers & rural farmers has exposed the severe limitations of the current centralised security architecture.

The socio-political group argued that the persistent insecurity underscored the urgent need for a total overhaul of the country’s policing system.

It insisted that the state-backed Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, must be fully empowered with modern weaponry & institutional independence to counter the sophisticated firepower of the attackers.

The body also called on South West govs to immediately convene a regional security summit to harmonise intelligence sharing, seal porous border points & launch a sustained, simultaneous flushing operation across all forest reserves in the zone.

Afenifere urged local communities to remain vigilant, reactivate traditional internal security mechanisms & cooperate closely with local law enforcement to prevent further infiltration.

“Every necessary step must be taken to ensure that terrorists do not have a place not to talk of a foothold in Yorubaland, from Lagos up to Kogi including Edo & Delta States,” Afenifere stated.

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