The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has lamented the upsurge in terrorism across the country, especially North-East, North-Central and North-West, seeking the enforcement of anti-terrorism law, counter-terrorism strategy and establishment of state police.
In a statement on Monday by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere also expressed concern over kidnapping incidents in parts of the South-West.
He said, “It would be recalled that incessant terrorism attacks have been reported in Plateau, Benue, Niger, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara and Kwara states in the past few weeks leading to losses of several lives and properties running into billions of naira.”
To proffer effective solutions to the seeming hydra-headed scourge, Afenifere’s spokesman stated that it is important to first identify some of the root cause(s) of the problem.
To bring the menace of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping under control, Afenifere suggested some measures.
The statement reads, “The immediate implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) and prompt enforcement of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended in 2013 and 2022.
The Act is for the prevention, prohibition and combating of acts of terrorism, financing of terrorism in Nigeria are necessary.
“Peace building efforts involving meetings of stakeholders in various communities with a view to reminding them that banditry has no intrinsic benefits whatsoever.
Perceived collaborators should be reined in with both carrots and sticks. “Immediate measures be put in place to encourage ranching as well as enforcing anti-open grazing laws in states where the Acts have been passed.
“The issue of amnesty for bandits, terrorists and kidnappers should be reviewed. Arguments are afoot as to whether a person who did not think twice before terrorising the other persons sometime leading to loss of lives deserves pardon.
“The much talked-about state police should be established without further delay. While the matter is being dealt with politically, the National Assembly should quickly amend Section 214 of the 1999 constitution which centralises policing in Nigeria.
“Law enforcement agencies including those manning our various borders should be further empowered and motivated.
“Security and intelligence gathering and processing must be improved upon along with inter-agency co-operation. “As is known, politicians, the world over, often vilify their opponents. Nigeria politicians are no exceptions.
Those who are overtly or covertly encouraging banditry for (present or expected) political gains should remember that they can successfully operate as politicians only in a safe environment. “Governments should be more forthcoming on enhancing the socio-economic condition of the people. This can be done through short-term, mid-term and long-term measures.
“President Bola Tinubu’s programme on youth empowerment should be strengthened, widened and popularised soonest,” Afenifere added.
