The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called for a comprehensive investigation into controversial comments made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, regarding the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
Fayose, during a live television interview on Channels Television, alleged that the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may have been orchestrated, claiming without evidence that it was politically motivated to embarrass the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
His remarks sparked widespread backlash, with the Oyo State Government and Governor Seyi Makinde strongly rejecting the allegation. The state government described the claims as false, misleading, and capable of distracting security agencies currently working to secure the release of the abducted victims.
Reacting through its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said the allegations should not be ignored outright, stressing that they warrant proper scrutiny by relevant security authorities.
Ajayi, who spoke on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, noted that while the organisation cannot independently verify the claims, it is important for security agencies to investigate all possible angles surrounding insecurity in the country.
He acknowledged that Nigeria is currently facing complex security challenges, warning that political tensions should not prevent a thorough examination of serious allegations.
According to him, insecurity in the country may involve multiple actors, including criminal networks, individuals within institutions, community actors, and possibly external interests, making careful investigation necessary.
Ajayi also called for broader attention to possible links between insecurity and illegal activities in some affected communities, urging authorities to look beyond surface-level narratives.
He further reiterated Afenifere’s longstanding call for the establishment of state police, arguing that it would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen local security response across the country.
