The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has voiced its shock and anger following the well-planned assault on three educational institutions in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The group has called on regional authorities to take decisive measures.
In a statement delivered on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group offered condolences to the affected families and those who lost loved ones.
DAILY POST gathered that on Friday, heavily armed terrorists on motorbikes targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School—all within the same local government area.
Reports indicate that at least 45 students were taken captive during the raids.
Ajayi revealed that Afenifere’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was deeply troubled by the news, especially as it coincided with the week he celebrated his 100th birthday. “He extends heartfelt sympathy to the victims and their families, and prays for the swift recovery of the injured. He also insists that a permanent end to the country’s deadly insecurity crisis must be achieved without any further delay,” Ajayi stated.
According to Ajayi, these latest attacks reinforce the growing fear that terrorists are making determined moves to overrun the South-West and eventually the entire southern region.
He criticized the current actions of South-West governors, suggesting they fail to grasp the full weight of their security obligations. “The primary duty of any government is the safety and well-being of its citizens. Governments in the South-Western states must demonstrate that they are fully aware of their constitutional duties. Everything possible must be done to ensure no part of this region suffers another attack from kidnappers or bandits,” he emphasized.
Ajayi warned that Yorubaland has been infiltrated by these criminal elements and urged the six governors in the region to make the security of their people their utmost priority. “We must take every necessary step to deny terrorists any presence or foothold in Yorubaland—from Lagos all the way to Kogi, including Edo and Delta states,” he said.
He added that while the federal government bears the heavy responsibility of national security and welfare, the governors have a sacred duty to deploy available resources to protect their people and guarantee their well-being.