Afenifere urges West African monarchs to mobilize traditional defense against bandits

—Mobilise for self‑defence

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Pan‑Yoruba socio‑political group Afenifere has urged traditional rulers in the Southwest to activate their customary security and defence systems so that communities can better protect themselves from bandit attacks.

In a statement issued from Akure, Ondo State, and signed by Chairman Chief Korede Duyile and Secretary Dr Bakkita Bello, the organisation called on monarchs to take immediate steps to strengthen community‑based security structures.

The statement said that traditional institutions must play a more active role in safeguarding their domains.

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

Afenifere also asked residents across Ondo and other Southwest states to remain vigilant and to support community self‑defence efforts against insecurity.

The group condemned the abduction of 42 schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro‑Esinele and Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026, describing the incident as “callous” and “inhuman.”

It expressed solidarity with the victims, their families and the Oyo State Government, and urged intensified efforts toward a safe rescue.

“We identify 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 provocation,” it said.

Afenifere also praised the Federal and Oyo State Governments for ongoing efforts to address insecurity, while calling for stronger intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations.

The organisation renewed its call for the establishment of state police and for greater constitutional roles for traditional rulers in security matters.

It further urged the speedy prosecution of terrorism and kidnapping cases, and welcomed the death sentence handed to those involved in the 2023 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, describing it as a step toward justice.

Afenifere also commended security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country but cautioned against integrating repentant terrorists into the military, describing the practice as “counter‑productive” to Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts.

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