Fresh Twist: Afenifere Defends Sunday Igboho Against Critics Over Security Campaign

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over his recent anti-kidnapping campaign in parts of the South-West, insisting that the protection of lives and property must remain a top priority.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group cautioned individuals and organisations issuing threats against Igboho following his efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of violent crime in Yorubaland.

Afenifere maintained that Igboho’s actions were directed at criminal elements operating in the region and not at any particular ethnic group.

According to the organisation, the activist’s campaign is aimed at individuals involved in kidnapping, terrorism, and related criminal activities rather than law-abiding residents.

The group also defended Igboho’s call for the release of abducted victims in the Igboho-Igbeti-Kisi axis of Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, arguing that there was nothing unlawful about demanding the freedom of kidnapped persons, provided such actions were carried out within the bounds of the law.

Afenifere noted that there was no evidence that Igboho acted violently or engaged in conduct contrary to existing laws, describing calls for authorities to sanction him as unfair and unjustified.

The controversy followed reports that Igboho visited his hometown last weekend and issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of a pregnant woman and two other kidnap victims.

During the visit, he reportedly warned individuals involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities to desist, while assuring law-abiding residents, regardless of their ethnic background, that they had no reason to fear.

His comments, however, attracted criticism from groups including the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Northern Elders Forum, the Coalition of Northern Groups, and the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, which called on President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene.

Meanwhile, Afenifere also expressed support for the proposed establishment of State Police, commending President Bola Tinubu for forwarding the State Police Executive Bill to the National Assembly.

The organisation urged lawmakers and state governors to expedite action on the proposal, arguing that decentralised policing would strengthen local intelligence gathering and improve responses to security threats such as kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.

According to the group, state police personnel should be carefully recruited, adequately trained, properly equipped, and supported with modern technology to enhance their effectiveness.

Afenifere further stressed the importance of competitive remuneration and life insurance packages for officers to ensure professionalism and commitment.

The organisation also urged northern leaders to focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to education, rather than criticising individuals advocating stronger measures to protect their communities.