The ranks of Nigerians and groups calling for self-defence continues to grow as the Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, decrying the unprecedented security situation in the country, has asked Nigerians to arm and defend themselves against terrorists and bandits as they have declared war on Nigeria.
Afenifere said in a communiqué issued on Tuesday at the end of its meeting held at the house of the Acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, that the security situation is not only threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria, but making Nigerians to be living in fear as many were losing their lives and properties to kidnappers and terrorists.
Urging the Federal Government to urgently end various acts of terrorism, kidnapping, herders/farmers clashes and other crimes, the group who defends the interest of all Yourbas in Nigeria and Diaspora, said “this, the government can do, by immediately allowing states to have their own police. In fact, the security apparatus should be democratised down to the local level.
“In the meantime, every community must be at alert to realise that they must defend themselves from bandits who seem to have declared war on Nigeria.”
Afenifere expressed concern over the unprecedented security problems caused by the influx of people even from outside Nigeria who were disguising as Okada riders.
It called on the government and security agencies to stop influx of people with questionable intentions.
According to the group, “terrorism and related vices including kidnapping are now so worrisome that in some cases, our people in places like Yewa, Ogun State, Oke Ogun in Oyo State, etc are forced to be relocating into Benin Republic and other West African countries.
“Urgent actions must be taken to guarantee the security of these people and to put a stop to what is causing them agony.”
Afenifere also decried the illegal mining activities going on in various parts of Yorubaland land, especially by non-indigenes, saying the security of the people was being seriously threatened.
Among those at the meeting were the Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; the Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Chief Supo Sonibare, Abagun Kole Omololu, Leke Mabinuori, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Dr Alonge, Mr Babatunde Tijani, Dr. Amos Akingba, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Prof. Akin Onigbinde and Dauda Adam, among others.