The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed serious concern over the recent coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that urgent action must be taken to stop terrorists and kidnappers from establishing a presence in the South-West.
The group said the attacks, which reportedly resulted in the abduction of pupils and school officials, had heightened fears about the spread of violent crimes across Yorubaland.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere disclosed that its leader, Reuben Fasoranti, was deeply disturbed by the incident, especially as it occurred during the same week he celebrated his 100th birthday.
According to Ajayi, Fasoranti was saddened by the attack and sympathised with the victims and their families while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured during the invasion.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, when armed men stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.
Reports from the affected communities indicated that no fewer than 45 pupils were abducted during the coordinated attack.
The incident has triggered fear and tension across Oyo State, with residents and parents demanding urgent intervention to rescue the victims and prevent similar attacks in other communities.
International media reports also described the Oyo incident as unusual for the South-West region, where large-scale school abductions have historically been less frequent compared to northern Nigeria.
Authorities confirmed that three suspects had already been arrested in connection with the attack, while security agencies continue efforts to determine the exact number of abducted children and secure their release.
The development came around the same period as another school abduction incident in Borno State, further intensifying concerns about the growing insecurity around schools nationwide.
According to reports by the Associated Press, more than 80 children were feared missing following attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states.
Afenifere, however, criticised the response of South-West governors, arguing that recent actions by state governments did not reflect the seriousness of the growing security threat facing the region.
The group said recent kidnappings and attacks in the South-West and parts of Kwara State suggest that terrorists and criminal gangs are becoming increasingly emboldened.
Ajayi stated that the situation had reinforced fears that armed groups may be attempting to spread their activities deeper into southern Nigeria.
The organisation questioned the effectiveness of earlier security initiatives announced by governors in the region, including resolutions reached by South-West governors, CCTV projects reportedly installed in Ogun State, surveillance aircraft acquired by the Oyo State Government, and security measures introduced in Ondo State.
According to Afenifere, the constitutional responsibility of government remains the protection of lives and property, insisting that governors in the South-West must demonstrate stronger commitment to safeguarding residents.
“In view of the fact that the primary duty of government is the security and welfare of the people, governments in the South-Western states of Nigeria must prove that they are alive to their constitutionally assigned responsibilities,” the statement partly read.
“Everything must be done to ensure that no area in the region experiences an attack by kidnappers and bandits anymore.”
The organisation called on the governors of Lagos State, Ogun, Oyo, Osun State, Ondo and Ekiti State to prioritise the safety of residents above all else.
Afenifere stressed that terrorists and kidnappers must not be allowed to operate freely in any part of Yorubaland.
“Every necessary step must be taken to ensure that terrorists do not have a place, not to talk of a foothold, in Yorubaland – from Lagos up to Kogi, including Edo and Delta states,” the group warned.
Despite its criticism, Afenifere commended the swift visit of Tunji Disu to Oyo State following the attack.
The organisation also welcomed the inauguration of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit, expressing hope that the initiative would help combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
