Photo File ; AFENIFERE LOGO

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Friday warned that the recent attacks on communities in Kwara and Kogi states were attempts by territorial expansionists, terrorists, and disgruntled elements to destabilise the country and create chiefdoms that would endanger the people.

Afenifere, founded in 1998, is Nigeria’s foremost pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation known for its advocacy on issues of security, democracy, and good governance.

Over the years, it has consistently raised concerns about terrorism, herder-farmer clashes, and banditry, particularly in the North-Central and South-West regions.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the group commiserated with both states over the calamities, including a recent boat mishap and flooding incidents.

Afenifere maintained that the sacking of communities in Kwara and Kogi, as well as other parts of the Middle Belt, were grim reminders that terrorism in those areas posed serious threats to the South-West and the entire country.

The organisation expressed “deep sympathy” over the boat mishaps and flood disasters that occurred in the two states recently.

It said, “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.

“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 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. So-called ‘illegal miners’ etc. could be suspected here.”

The group further decried the invasion of Kwara communities, where lives were lost, properties destroyed, and socio-economic activities disrupted.

It added, “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 ouster and murder of Muammar Ghadaffi of Libya should serve as lessons.

“It is on record that since Ghadaffi was ousted, Libya has not known peace. As for Afghanistan, it is as though the government of that country wants to strip Afghan women and girls of their rights to those things that are basic to human existence — education, work, freedom of movement and participation in public life.

“From August 2021, when Taliban took over government in that country, it has come up with over 70 decrees violating the rights of girls and women, especially their right to education, according to Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.”

Ajayi reminded those backing terrorists in Nigeria of the dangers of empowering violent actors.

“Not only that, they do not have respect for human rights at all as events in various parts of the world and in some communities that terrorists occupied in Nigeria attested to. Children and family members of terrorists’ sponsors cannot escape from the wrath they are bringing upon the land either.”

He also recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast, assured Nigerians that his administration was taking steps to address insecurity across the country.

The Middle Belt, especially Kogi, Benue, Plateau, and parts of Kwara, has long been a flashpoint for clashes between armed groups and farming communities.

In addition to insecurity, both Kwara and Kogi have recently faced environmental disasters. In September, torrential rains and the overflow of the River Niger triggered severe flooding in parts of the two states, displacing thousands of residents.

Similarly, boat accidents, often linked to poor regulation and lack of safety measures on inland waterways, have claimed dozens of lives in recent months.