Concerned about the rise in insecurity across the country, Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere has called on the federal government to change its style and confront the challenges headlong.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the organisation’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere expressed regret that the federal government is not doing enough to stop terrorism and kidnapping incidents festering daily.
The group recalled the kidnapping of about 30 children working on a farm in Mairuwa village in Katsina State, the abduction of travellers on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway including former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Adigun Agbaje; the killing of dozens of people in Benue State, the killing of a NECO staff by armed robbers on the campus of the University of Ibadan mid-week and the abduction of four travellers in Ekiti.
It recalled that President Buhari while presenting this year’s budget before the National Assembly in early October, gave the assurance that insecurity would be substantially curtailed before his tenure comes to an end next year.
The group, therefore, expressed confidence that the government can tackle the problem by allowing States that are so desired to have their Police Services.
The statement read in part: “The situation became so dire that some countries have designated Nigeria as a terrorism-prone area to be kept at an arm’s length. Governments of the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark etc have asked their citizens to stay away from Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital. To underscore the seriousness they put to the terror indications that they saw, some of these governments are even evacuating some of their diplomatic staffers.
“Stop the kid glove treatment being given to arrested bandits and terrorists. Expedite action on the trials of apprehended terrorists and bandits. Demonstrate that we are all equal before the law and that no individual, group or tribe should enjoy preferential treatment over and above others. Needed equipment and incentives should be provided for security agencies to enable them to discharge their duties responsibly.
That machinery be set in motion quickly to have the country restructured in such a manner that every region or area would be operating under a truly federal system.
“In conclusion, Afenifere reminded those in authority that providing security and welfare are the primary duties of government. Unfortunately, the government has not lived up to expectations in these and many other respects. President Buhari can ameliorate the situation within the few months that his administration still has.”
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