Afenifere to S-West residents: Mobilise for self-defence

*Asks monarchs to activate traditional defence against terrorists, others

THE pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday, urged residents in the Southwest to stay alert and mobilise proactively in self-defence.

It also tasked traditional rulers in the zone to activate traditional defence mechanisms to protect their territories from invaders.

The Yoruba body, in a statement by its Chairman and Secretary in Ondo State, Messrs Korede Duyile and Bakkita Bello, advised monarchs to immediately set up systems to check the influx of bandits.

“We advise our traditional heads in all our communities to activate defence mechanisms designed not only to checkmate, but effectively destroy the orchestrated hegemonic territorial armed onslaughts of the marauders, codenamed bandits with their local facilitators,” the group said.

The group condemned the May 15, 2026, abduction of 42 schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota in Oriire LGA, Oyo State.

It described their continued captivity as “callous, inhuman” and “an unpardonable sin against humanity.”

“We identify very sincerely with the affected children and teachers, their families, their communities and the government of Oyo State, at this critical time of enduring pain and reckless provocation,” the statement read.

While praying for the victims’ rescue, Afenifere commended the efforts of the Federal and Oyo State Governments.

It reminded Southwest governors of past warnings about “unchecked and unrestricted influxes of undesirable elements” into the region.

The group reiterated calls for state police, regional governments, and constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

It welcomed the death sentence handed to terrorists who attacked St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in 2023, but urged speedy trials for all cases involving terrorists, kidnappers and bandits.

Afenifere commended security operatives “who continue to commit their lives to protecting society” and asked governments to provide resources for surveillance, intelligence gathering and tactical operations.

The group also opposed the integration of terrorists into the military under any guise, saying the move has been “destructive and counter-productive to our nation’s anti-terrorism tactics.”