The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Tuesday raised fresh alarm over the latest upsurge in banditry in the South western part of Nigeria.
Afenifere raised the alarm in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, and made it available to journalists in Ibadan.
The pan Yoruba organization cited the latest bandit action on Igbeti-Igboho Road, kidnap incidents in Ondo, Kwara and Kogi states as well as the reported threat by bandits to unleash terrorism in Osun State with a view to jeopardise the forthcoming general elections as a major security concern.
“We, in Afenifere, are seriously concerned and hope that this would not be a precursor of a dastardly incident to come,” it said.
“In many communities where fatal attacks and/or kidnapping incidents have occurred, indicators were always given like a prior notice or minor terror acts meant to serve as a warning.
“Such took place in Ekiti, Ifelodun, Baruten, Kaiama and Edu local government areas of Kwara state, in communities in Plateau, Benue, Niger, Kogi, Sokoto, Katsina, Borno and Nasarawa states to mention a few.”
The pan Yoruba organization noted, “First, we call on the authorities concerned not to take these indicators lightly. It is gratifying to note that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu kept harping on putting a stop on the menace of banditry and terrorism in the country.”
Afenifere particularly challenged security agencies, politicians, religious and communities leaders to come out boldly not only to condemn the dastardly acts but to work seriously at putting an end to it, adding that terrorists who carry out attacks always move on motorbikes.
