Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised the alarm over what it described as a coordinated wave of terror attacks across the South West geopolitical zone, declaring that Yorubaland is now effectively under siege.
A statement issued on Sunday by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, noted that following an emergency meeting of its leadership, Afenifere expressed deep concern over the apparent helplessness of state actors, warning that the economic and social fabric of the region was facing an existential threat.
According to the organisation, the frequency of attacks on major roads linking South West states and schools indicates that criminal syndicates and terrorist elements have established deep footholds in the region’s forests.
The organisation condemned attacks by terrorists on motorbikes on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle; and L.A. Primary School, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Friday, May 15.
“Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was saddened to hear of this unfortunate incident which occurred in the same week he marked his 100th birthday. He sympathised with the victims and their families and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured. Besides, he expressed the hope that a total stop would be put to the life-threatening insecurity situation in the country without further delay,” Ajayi stated.
Afenifere commended the swift visit of IGP Tunji Disu to the Oriire scene of Friday’s kidnap and the inauguration of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in Ibadan by Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday, May 16, 2026, expressing hope that the initiatives would help prevent crimes, including banditry.
“There is a deliberate, systematic attempt to overrun our communities. From the borders of Kwara down to the creeks of Ondo and the highways of Oyo and Ogun, our people can no longer travel or farm in peace. Yorubaland is under siege, and the silence of the federal authorities is deafening,” it stated.
The group noted that the situation was no longer a matter of isolated criminal incidents.
