Pan-Yoruba sociocultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged the federal government to deploy modern technology to combat kidnapping, banditry, attacks on security officers, and ongoing herders-farmers clashes in the country.
The group said this while expressing concerns over the resurgence of these acts nationwide in a statement by its spokesman, Jare Ajayi, on Friday.
“The fact that kidnapping and related banditry have resurfaced in recent months is a testament that the government needs to take urgent steps to enforce the said law,” he said.
Afenifere recalled recents incidents, including one where a lecturer was killed and his two children abducted in Katsina State, stressing that no fewer than 1,000 persons have been reported kidnapped.
Ajayi continued: “Last Sunday, three Indian nationals and a Nigerian were abducted on Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway; Dr. Tiri Gyan David, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State, was killed in his residence last Tuesday, and his two children abducted.
“Penultimate Tuesday, the army, in a counter-terrorism operation, repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on Isheke Police Station in Ebonyi State; herders’ attacks on communities in Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Oyo States, among others.
“Late last week, multiple suicide bombing attacks claiming many casualties were reported in Borno State.”
Afenifere stressed the need for a serious review of the country’s security architecture and called for immediate government action to engage communities and block avenues through which terrorists and kidnappers recruit more members.
“Enough lives have been lost. Enough properties have been destroyed. It is high time that a stop must be put to the fear and uncertainty that now characterise our lives,” Afenifere said.
The group urged the government to consider the immediate constitution of state and local government police, engagement with local communities, and deployment of modern technologies to combat crimes and forestall terrorism.
“As part of mechanisms to put an end to this scourge, close circuit television sets, deployment of modern technology for security purposes including drones must be effected immediately,” the group said.
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