Afenifere Decries Resurgence of Terror Attacks, Kidnappings in Kwara, South-West
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of terror attacks and kidnappings in states bordering the South-West, warning that the trend signals a growing threat of bandits’ incursion into Yorubaland.
In a statement issued in Ibadan by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group described the recurring attacks in Kwara, Kogi and Niger states, alongside recent abductions in Ondo, Ekiti and Oyo states, as troubling and dangerous.
The group’s reaction followed last week’s deadly invasion of Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where heavily armed bandits reportedly killed nearly 200 residents and abducted several others. Within the same period, similar attacks were recorded in parts of Kogi, Edo, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna and Katsina states.
On Thursday, gunmen also struck in Edo and Oyo states, abducting several residents, including a junior secondary school student in the Challenge area of Ibadan.
Describing the situation as disturbing, Afenifere said the increasing cases of abduction within metropolitan areas suggest that insecurity is no longer confined to remote communities with limited government presence.
“The incident in the Challenge area occurred within the city, along the Ring Road axis on the way to Lagos. This shows that terror acts are penetrating urban centres,” the statement noted.
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The organisation further lamented the rise in attacks on schools, worship centres and markets, stating that Kwara had now joined states previously plagued by such incidents.
Afenifere recalled that the six South-West governors, at their meeting in Ibadan on November 24, 2025, resolved to strengthen regional security architecture. Among other measures, they proposed the establishment of a South West Security Fund and monitoring centres to track criminal elements. The group also acknowledged the recent inauguration of closed-circuit television monitoring centres by the Ogun State Government as a step in the right direction.
However, it argued that insecurity persists not because of a lack of intelligence, but due to failure to effectively process and act on available information.
Citing the testimony of Umar Salihu, the head of Woro village in Kaiama, Kwara State, Afenifere noted that prior warnings were reportedly sent to higher authorities before the attack on the community, yet no preventive action was taken.
The group also criticised reported peace pacts with bandits in some northern states, saying such agreements have failed to halt further violence.
It urged authorities to enforce existing laws decisively against perpetrators of terror and kidnapping, warning that perceived leniency could embolden criminal groups and worsen the security crisis.
Afenifere reiterated the need for coordinated regional action and proactive intelligence utilisation to prevent further spread of violence into the South-West.
By PRNigeria
