Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has renewed its call for urgent restructuring and the immediate creation of state police as part of measures to tackle worsening insecurity across the country.
The group made its position known in a communiqué signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, after a caucus meeting held on Tuesday at the Akure residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and presided over by Oba Olu Falae.
At the meeting, Afenifere lamented the growing spate of banditry in Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo and Oyo states, and the killings in Benue, Plateau, Niger and Katsina despite efforts by security agencies.
It urged the Federal Government to intensify reforms in the sector, insisting that “modern technology equipment be procured and appropriately deployed” while local communities should be empowered to defend themselves.
The group also demanded strict enforcement of anti-open grazing laws and promotion of ranching as a way of reducing farmers-herders clashes that have continued to ravage parts of the country.
On the economy, Afenifere acknowledged ongoing reforms but asked government to take bolder steps to reduce hardship.
They also urged contractors handling major road projects across Yorubaland, including the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa–Akure and Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbomoso–Ilorin highways, to speed up work.
The group restated that restructuring remained the only lasting solution to Nigeria’s challenges and called for an urgent bill to be transmitted to the National Assembly.
It also congratulated Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on his ascension as Olubadan of Ibadanland, praying for a peaceful and development-driven reign.