AKURE – The Ondo State chapter of Afenifere has launched a blistering attack on the Federal Government’s policy of integrating repentant terrorists into the nation’s security architecture, warning that the practice is endangering Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation also issued a red alert to traditional rulers and residents across the Southwest, urging them to mobilise and strengthen community-based defence mechanisms against terrorists, kidnappers and armed bandits ravaging the region.
In a strongly worded communique issued after its meeting, Afenifere described the integration of former terrorists into the military as “unwise,” “destructive” and “counter-productive.”
“We call for the immediate stoppage of the unwise integration of terrorists under any guise into the Nigerian military, as such a gesture has proved destructive and counter-productive to our nation’s anti-terrorism tactics and defence strategies,” the group declared.
The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the group in Ondo State, Chief Korede Duyile and Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello.
Expressing outrage over the worsening security situation in the Southwest, Afenifere charged traditional rulers to urgently activate local security structures capable of resisting attacks by armed marauders.
The group also urged citizens across Ondo State and other Southwest states to remain vigilant and be ready to organise lawful self-defence against criminal elements terrorising communities.
The organisation particularly condemned the abduction of 42 school pupils and seven teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as barbaric and inhuman.
Afenifere alleged that the kidnappers had even beheaded one of the teachers, saying the continued captivity of the victims represented a grave assault on humanity.
“We denounce and condemn in the strongest terms their continuous captivity and prolonged physical and emotional torture. It is a heinous crime and an unpardonable sin against humanity,” the group stated.
The organisation called for the immediate rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, while praying for the safe return of all persons currently being held by kidnappers across the country.
While commending Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his response to the crisis, Afenifere said the latest abduction should serve as a wake-up call to Southwest governors over longstanding security concerns in the region.
The group claimed it had repeatedly warned authorities about the dangers posed by the unchecked influx of criminal elements into the Southwest but lamented that its warnings were ignored.
Afenifere renewed its demand for the establishment of State Police, constitutional roles for traditional rulers and the restructuring of the country through regional governments.
The group also welcomed the recent death sentence handed down to terrorists convicted over the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and called for speedy trials of all terrorism, kidnapping and banditry cases.
While commending security agencies for their sacrifices, Afenifere urged governments at all levels to provide adequate resources for intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations to permanently crush criminal gangs threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.
