The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called for stronger security measures across the South-West following a series of kidnappings and violent attacks in the region, including the recent abduction of 10 travellers along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road in Ogun State.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, expressed concern over the abduction of the travellers, who were reportedly travelling from Ijebu-Ode to Ibadan, with their abductors demanding a ransom of N25m.
The organisation noted that while it is relieved that the victims were ultimately rescued or released, “we are deeply saddened that these disheartening incidents are occurring at all, as they remind us that much still needs to be done to secure the people and ensure their safety.”
To permanently end banditry, kidnapping, and allied criminalities in the region, the Afenifere spokesman proposed structural, legal and operational measures.
He said, “South-West governments should acquire modern, high-grade weapons for the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun so its personnel can match the firepower of armed criminals.
“Official security agencies and local outfits should be integrated and structured into tactical squads to effectively patrol ungoverned woodlands and forests.
“Governments should procure and deploy drones, modern communication gadgets and rapid-response systems to monitor forests and border areas.
