Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has cautioned northern groups criticizing Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to desist from what it described as attempts to intimidate him over his stance against insecurity in Yorubaland.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group maintained that Igboho’s recent actions were aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in the South-West, rather than targeting any ethnic group.
Afenifere stated that Igboho was not threatening any particular ethnic nationality but individuals and groups allegedly involved in criminal activities within Yorubaland.
The organisation was reacting to criticisms that followed Igboho’s visit to his hometown in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, where he reportedly issued a two-hour ultimatum to kidnappers holding a pregnant woman and two other victims captive, demanding their immediate release.
During the visit, Igboho also warned individuals involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities to desist, while assuring law-abiding residents, including non-indigenes living peacefully in the area, of their safety.
His comments drew condemnation from several northern groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Coalition of Northern Groups and the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, which called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to caution him.
Responding, Afenifere argued that there was nothing unlawful in Igboho’s efforts to protect communities affected by insecurity, stressing that he neither engaged in violence nor acted outside the bounds of the law.
The group further noted that people from different parts of Nigeria, including the North, have lived peacefully across Yorubaland for decades without discrimination.
According to Afenifere, tensions only escalated following repeated incidents involving destruction of farmlands by some herders, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities.
The organisation also expressed concern over reports linking illegal mining activities to insecurity in some parts of the region, alleging that criminal elements often exploit displaced communities to gain access to mineral-rich areas.
Afenifere called for greater cooperation among stakeholders and security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property across the country.
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