● “Don’t ignore it” — Yoruba group says insecurity has political, economic, foreign layers
Afenifere has called for a broad, multi-layered investigation into former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose’s allegation that recent kidnappings in Oyo State are being orchestrated to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, made the call Wednesday on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu.
Ajayi said the Yoruba group was viewing the matter from a structural and security lens, not as political rivalry.
–“We are in an election era”–
“We are in a political era, we are in an election era… we’ve seen a lot of things happening between political parties,” Ajayi said.
He stressed that while political tensions exist, they should not dismiss legitimate concerns about insecurity or absolve institutions from scrutiny. Ajayi added that within Yoruba discourse, such allegations must be handled with caution to avoid inflaming regional sensitivities.
–Fayose’s allegation–
Fayose sparked controversy June 1 on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” when he accused Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde of staging the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State to “blackmail and tarnish” President Tinubu’s image. He provided no evidence.
–“Don’t forget to look at it”–
Reacting, Ajayi said Afenifere lacks investigative powers to validate or dismiss the claim, but security authorities must not ignore it.
“As for what he said, the allegation… those who have the authority to investigate matters, I think it is an area they should not forget to look at,” he stated.
Ajayi argued insecurity in Nigeria has multiple layers involving politicians, security personnel, community leaders and “foreign interests interested in solid minerals.”
“Kidnapping operations often extend beyond ransom. They force people out of communities. Next thing you see is illegal mining in that place,” he said.
He cited reports of Chinese nationals arrested in Kwara in connection with illegal mining, warning that abandoned communities become hotspots for illicit extraction.
–“Widen the investigation”–
The Afenifere spokesman cautioned against narrowing the probe to one individual.
“It should be widened… not limited to the person whom former governor Fayose is alleging or suspecting,” he said.
Ajayi referenced Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s past comment that insecurity often drops after elections. “It is a possibility of political and military maneuvering or masterminding that are sustaining this particular thing,” he noted.
–Callers divided–
Callers on the programme were split. Abdul Wasiu from Ago Iwoye dismissed Fayose’s claim, saying “no Nigerian will believe him” given his record in Ekiti.
Another caller blamed government failure: “The security of the people is directly in the hands of the government… but none of this is taking place.”
Ajayi clarified Afenifere’s stance: “We are not saying the whole thing is political. No. We are saying that the political angle should also not be ignored. It could be.”
He cited risks of betrayal within security ranks and defended South-West media for “playing their role as the fourth estate,” even if accused of “overdoing it.”
Ajayi reiterated Afenifere’s longstanding demand for state police as a constitutional reform to tackle Nigeria’s expanding security challenges.
