Politics
Yoruba people migrating to Benin Republic over insecurity — Afenifere
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere has claimed that Yoruba people are now being forced to migrate to the Benin Republic and other West African countries over insecurity in Nigeria.
This was contained in a communiqué issued by the group at the end of its monthly meeting, held at the country home of its acting Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
According to the Yoruba group, the state of the nation calls for concern.
Afenifere also urged Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits while condemning the “plan by President Muhammadu Buhari to re-open the cattle routes despite stiff opposition from members of the public”.
The communiqué reads in part; “After exhaustive deliberations…the following Resolutions were made: Afenifere noted with serious concern the unprecedented security problems accentuated by the influx of people even from outside Nigeria.
“Some of them are disguising as Okada riders. We call on the government and security agencies to put a halt to the unbridled influx of people with questionable intentions.
“Afenifere observes that terrorism and related vices including kidnapping are now so worrisome that in some cases, our people in places like Yewa, Ogun State, Oke Ogun in Oyo State, etc are forced to be relocating into Benin Republic and other West African countries. Urgent actions must be taken to guarantee the security of these people and to put a stop to what is causing them agonies.
“Afenifere also noted with concern the illegal mining activities going on in various parts of our land, especially by non-indigenes. In many cases, the manner of this activity is not only jeopardising the economic and agricultural activities of our people in these areas but the security of the people is also being seriously threatened.
“Afenifere also took particular note of the incessant security breaches in our border towns in Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo. We hereby strongly call for the protection of the people in these areas.
“It is a known fact that Afenifere strongly stands by the Southern Governors in their resolution on anti-grazing laws.
“We commend the steps taken by governors of the South West on the establishment of security networks like Amotekun. We urge them to continue to forge ahead”.
