The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, as well as Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Commissioners of Police in both states for their efforts in tackling banditry and kidnapping along the Sagamu-Ore Road corridor.
According to The Punch, in a letter issued on behalf of Afenifere leader and Asiwaju Yoruba, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the group praised the coordinated security operations that it said had helped restore public confidence and drastically reduced criminal activities on the route.
The letter, signed by Afenifere National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, described the intervention as a reflection of effective leadership, professional policing and successful collaboration among neighbouring states.
Afenifere had earlier raised concerns over increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks across Yorubaland and other parts of Nigeria. On May 5, the organisation warned that the growing frequency of such incidents was becoming alarming.
It said, “The fact that incidents of terror attacks, including kidnappings, are occurring virtually every day in various parts of the country is giving Afenifere a lot of concern.
“Before now, reports of incidents of this nature used to be from other climes. But these days, the horrendous incidents are also occurring in Yorubaland of Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, and parts of Kogi.”
In its latest communication, however, the group acknowledged the support provided by the governments of Ogun and Lagos states to security agencies.
It said, “The commitment shown by the Ogun and Lagos State governors in supporting security agencies has created an enabling environment for law enforcement personnel to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
“We applaud the Inspector-General of Police for providing strategic operational direction and advancing intelligence-led policing, which has strengthened the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to combat organised crime.”
Afenifere also singled out the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Olubode Ojajuni, for commendation, noting that his understanding of the terrain and operational experience highlighted the value of local intelligence in combating crime.
The organisation stated, “his extensive knowledge of the operational terrain and experience which underscored the critical importance of local intelligence in tackling criminality.”
It further applauded the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, for deploying equipment, logistics and operational support that enhanced the effectiveness of the joint security operation.
“We equally praise the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, for deploying operational resources, specialised equipment and logistics that contributed significantly to the success of the joint security operation.”
The group also hailed the security personnel involved in the operations, describing them as “courageous, patriotic and professional in confronting armed criminals.”
Reaffirming its backing for continued security measures across the South-West, Afenifere stressed that kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements would not be allowed to thrive in Yorubaland.
It said, “The message is unequivocal: ‘Kosaye,’ there is no place for evil in Yorubaland. Those who seek to threaten the peace, security and prosperity of our people will continue to face the full weight of the law.”
The organisation concluded by expressing appreciation to security agencies and political leaders for what it described as a remarkable demonstration of commitment, bravery and service in the fight against violent crime.
