Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has condemned the worsening insecurity in Kwara and Kogi states.

It expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the Federal Government has been handling the security situation in the country.

In a communique issued and signed by its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, the group, at the end of its meeting, in Osun State, and attended by delegates from Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, flayed what it observed as the government’s “non-proactive measures over the continued attacks and killings in Kwara and Kogi states”, noting that clues to the attacks “tilted towards an agenda to occupy and enshrine their socio-economic and political ideology in the land.”

It disclosed that reports indicated that the attacks on Oke-Ode and other parts of Kwara South were the height of sufferings to which the people of the two states had been persistently subjected.

Afenifere declared that the Nigerian state had failed in the primary duty of defence of its constituent nationalities and protection of life and property of its citizens as the fundamental essence of its existence, noting that successive governments in the country “have been held hostage by this minority invaders obsessed with the belief of the ownership of Nigeria of over 250 million indigenous ethnic nationalities.”

This is even as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, restated the call for a return to the regional system of government for the country to witness true development.

He argued that the main reason the nation had remained largely unprogressive was that it was too centralised.

Adams made the observation while delivering his keynote address as the Global Convener, Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) at the 11th edition of the association’s Europe Summit 2025 held in Napoli, Italy at the weekend.

He noted that with restructuring, the six geopolitical zones could judiciously utilise their resources and develop at their own pace.

Adams stressed that the “current unitary system of government in Nigeria encourages massive corruption and impedes good governance.”

“Nigeria was plunged into crisis since the military incursion into administration in 1966, after which Aguiyi Ironsi changed our Federal Constitution to a Unitary Constitution,” he said.

Adams continued: “A nation of more than 250 million population cannot be using this sort of Unitary Constitution, an over-centralised Constitution that dictates that resources for States and Local Governments go to the centre.

This has ensured that States and Local Governments cannot develop at their own pace without relying on handouts from the centre.”

He called on OPU members and Nigerians in the Diaspora to join the call for the restructuring of the Nigerian nation.

Similarly, the member representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara State in the House of Representatives, Raheem Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin, has decried recent attacks in Idofin Odo-Ashe of Oke-Ero Local Council.

Describing the onslaughts as cowardly acts targeted at disrupting the peace and stability of the community, he urged security agencies to intensify efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Ajuloopin sympathised with the victims, their families, and the entire community, emphasising that violence ought not be encouraged in a civilised society.

While commending the swift response of governments, as well as security agencies, including local vigilante groups, the parliamentarian hinted that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to be vigilant and cooperate fully with security operatives by providing timely and credible information.

The legislator affirmed commitment to collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that lasting peace and security return to Kwara South and beyond.

Ajuloopin appealed for calm, assuring that both the federal and state governments were working tirelessly to address the root causes of insecurity and prevent future occurrences.