Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, has asserted that insiders may be responsible for the ongoing security crisis in the country, especially the prevalent cases of kidnapping for ransom. The organization has called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to urgently organize a community/stakeholders meeting to address the escalating insecurity in the nation.
According to a statement from Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the nature of the phenomenon suggests the involvement of insiders. By insiders, the organization refers to individuals who have some form of relationship with the kidnapped victims, including family members, business associates, or those with social connections to the victims. Some security experts and a former General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army have also suggested potential involvement of unscrupulous security personnel.
Afenifere highlights that information indicates that perpetrators of these acts have informants linked to the victims, a point also emphasized by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike. The organization points out that even in cases of terrorists attacking communities, the attackers often have familiarity with the residents, making it easier for them to navigate the territory.
Referring to recent incidents in Oyo State, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the sacking of communities in Niger State, Afenifere believes that there are indications that some of these incidents involve insiders as conspirators, collaborators, or potentially even masterminds.