Afenifere calls for urgent action as terror attacks surge in South-West

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has expressed deep concern over a rise in terror attacks across Yorubaland and other parts of Nigeria, urging governors in the South-West to act swiftly on their previous security pledges.

In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere cited recent violent incidents, including the killing of forest guards in Oyo State’s Old Oyo National Park, the murder of four farmers in Igboho, and the abduction of a mother and child in Ondo State.

The group also noted the apprehension of suspected bandits in Ondo and the burning of a police station in Ipele.

Afenifere recalled rumors of planned attacks during the festive period and warned that terror cells detected in the region remain a serious threat.

The statement linked recent violence in Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Borno, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states to these hidden networks.

The organization challenged South-West governors to activate the “South West Security Fund” and the joint intelligence-sharing platform they agreed to establish in November 2025. It also suggested including neighboring states such as Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta in the security framework.

While commending the military’s efforts—including foiled attacks and discoveries of explosives—Afenifere highlighted ongoing challenges such as weak intelligence gathering and internal sabotage.

The group pointed to the alarming trend of coerced participation in banditry, citing former Theatre Commander Major General Christopher Musa’s 2022 report that thousands of surrendered insurgents had been forced into criminal activities.

Afenifere expressed hope that General Musa, now Minister of Defence, will use his field experience to strengthen national security strategy.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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