Afenifere Raises Concern over Unabated Killings, Seeks Quicker Economic Reforms

Fidelis David in Akure

Afenifere, yesterday, expressed concern over the increasing rate of insecurity in parts of Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo and Oyo states, as well as the growing genocide in Benue, Plateau, Niger and Katsina states.

The group urged the federal government to work harder on its economic reform policies and accelerate its efforts to tackle the increasing insecurity in the country.

A communique issued at the end of Afenifere’s caucus meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, signed by Comrade Jare Ajayi, its National Publicity Secretary, called for urgent take-off of state police, saying local communities should be encouraged and funded to defend themselves.

The meeting presided by Afenifere’s Executive Committee Chairman, Oba Olu Falae, equally resolved that the federal government should work harder on its economic reform policies to ensure that the country’s economy bounced back and became stronger.

The communique read, “We feel that while both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are employed to combat banditry and terrorism, community leaders, politicians and the locals should identify and check internal saboteurs and those who are collaborating with criminals.

“In the same vein, there is the need for strong policies on justice, fairness and a determination to ensure that no group of people constitute danger or threat to other people, especially in their ancestral homes.”

Afenifere recommended that modern technology, such as drones and close-circuit cameras, be procured and deployed to address the security situation.

It stated, “All the impediments against the enforcement of Anti-Open grazing laws passed by some state governments be removed. This is to put a check on the destructions being visited on farmlands and stem farmers/herders clashes.

“The federal and state governments to encourage business entrepreneurs and individuals in the livestock sector to set up ranches.

“Afenifere takes note of the efforts of the federal government to tackle the economic challenges the country is facing. Having noticed that the impact of some of the steps taken are already being felt in some aspects of the economy, Afenifere calls on the government to work harder on its economic reform policies so as to ensure that the country’s economy bounces back and become stronger.”

While lauding the federal government for the road projects being carried out in various parts of the country, it called for reconstruction works to be accelerated on Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure Road, Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, Ibadan-Ijebu-ode Road, and Ibadan-Abeokuta Road, among others.