The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over the recent attacks on communities in Kwara and Kogi states, describing them as deliberate attempts by territorial expansionists, terrorists, and destabilising forces to create parallel chiefdoms and endanger national stability.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group commiserated with residents of both states over the spate of tragedies, including a boat mishap and widespread flooding. Afenifere, founded in 1998 and known for its advocacy on democracy, security, and good governance, has consistently expressed concern about terrorism, banditry, and herder-farmer clashes, particularly in the Middle Belt and South-West regions.
The organisation described the sacking of communities in Kwara and Kogi as a stark reminder that terrorism in the North-Central remains a grave threat not only to the South-West but also to Nigeria at large.
“The methods deployed by the attackers in Kwara went far beyond ordinary kidnapping or cattle grazing,” the statement noted. “The sophisticated weapons used, the audacity of their operations, and the scale of destruction point to powerful sponsors, both within and outside the country. Illegal mining and other shadow networks may also be linked to these incursions.”
Afenifere condemned the invasions that left lives lost, property destroyed, and socio-economic activities disrupted, warning that those aiding or financing such groups would ultimately not be spared from the chaos they are fostering.
“Those who support, collaborate, or bankroll these criminals must understand that when a country is destabilised, no one is immune,” the group cautioned, drawing parallels with Afghanistan and Libya.
Referencing the protracted instability in Libya following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, and the Taliban’s clampdown on women’s rights in Afghanistan since 2021, Afenifere stressed that the consequences of national destabilisation are long-lasting and devastating.
The group urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to approach the security crisis with renewed urgency, while calling for vigilance against both local and international actors believed to be fuelling the violence.
