The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has said the latest onslaughts on communities in Kogi and Kwara states were attempts by territory expansionists, terrorists and some people who are disgruntled with the government to destabilise the country and create chiefdoms that would be detrimental to the people.
Afenifere, in a statement issued and made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend in Akure, Ondo State by national publicity secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, maintained that the sacking of communities in Kogi and Kwara states and in some other areas particularly in the Middle Belt are grim reminders that terrorism in those places pose serious threats to the people of the South West – and other parts of the country.
The foremost Yoruba group hinted that the method of operation of the terrorists in Kwara went beyond those who are kidnapping for ransom or are just interested in finding fodder for their livestock.
They expressed ‘deep sympathy’ over the boat mishaps and flood disasters that occurred in Kogi and Niger States recently.
“The type of weapons they use, the derring-do manner with which they attack and the intensity of the damage they cause clearly indicate that they have very powerful people sponsoring them both locally and internationally,” the group said.
The statement further stated that the usage of the adjective ‘very’ here was deliberate with a view to underlining the deep involvement of powerful interests locally and internationally in the life-taking experiences we are having presently.
The statement read, “So-called ‘illegal miners’ etc. could be suspected here. Kwara, known as ‘State of Harmony’ was lately invaded with lives lost, properties destroyed and socio-economic activities severely disrupted.
“However, those supporting, collaborating and sponsoring the evil doers need to remember that when the country is destabilised, they are not going to be immune. What is happening in Afghanistan presently and what has been happening since the unwarranted oyster and murder of Muarmar Ghadaffi of Libya should serve as a lesson,” Ajayi warned.
Ajayi recalled that President Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast, assured the nation that his government is taking steps to ensure that insecurity is tamed.
The organization urged the government to immediately procure and deploy well-constructed boats with high capacity, similar to the way some states provide buses for their citizens.
