The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on governors in the South-West to equip operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, with sophisticated weapons to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes in the region.
The organisation expressed concern over the security situation in Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, saying existing measures had failed to adequately protect residents from criminal attacks.
Afenifere made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, who urged governments and security agencies to adopt more coordinated and proactive strategies to address the growing threat.
The group’s demand follows the abduction of travellers along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Expressway last Tuesday, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding N25m ransom for the release of the victims.
One of those abducted was identified as Dapo, a recently discharged member of the National Youth Service Corps.
Afenifere also cited the recent kidnapping at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria along the same route, noting that the facility had suffered a similar attack months earlier.
Other incidents highlighted by the organisation included the killing of a farmer in Itesiwaju Local Government Area and the abduction of Prince Michael Folarin in Igbeti, both in Oyo State.
It also mentioned the kidnapping of a poultry farmer, Ooreoluwa Osonuga, in Ogun State, and the abduction of Honourable Debo Farounbi in Ora, Osun State.
According to Ajayi, the persistence of kidnapping despite interventions by state governments and security agencies indicates that the existing approach requires urgent reassessment.
He said, “The fact that insecurity, particularly kidnapping, persists on our land suggests that current measures are not enough. There is a need for more focused, strategic, and better-coordinated actions from the authorities and security agencies in conjunction with local communities.”
The organisation proposed an eight-point intervention plan, urging South-West governors to strengthen Amotekun through the provision of modern weapons, surveillance equipment, drones and improved communication facilities.
It also recommended the establishment of joint tactical teams involving conventional security agencies and local security outfits to conduct sustained patrols across forests and vulnerable communities.
Afenifere further called for financial autonomy for local government councils to enable them to support grassroots security initiatives and rural surveillance.
On the social dimension of insecurity, the group advocated expanded employment opportunities, mechanised farming schemes, vocational training and welfare programmes to prevent vulnerable youths from being recruited into criminal activities.
It also urged the judiciary to impose stringent punishments on individuals convicted of kidnapping and other violent offences.
The organisation stressed the importance of community-based intelligence, calling on traditional rulers, community leaders and local vigilante groups to monitor suspicious movements and establish effective channels for reporting security threats.
Linking the security challenges to poor access to education and youth unemployment, Afenifere recalled the warnings of the late nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, about the dangers of leaving young people without educational opportunities.
The group said addressing the root causes of insecurity, alongside strengthening security operations, was necessary to dismantle kidnapping and banditry networks across the South-West.
