Troubling Expressions of Concern: Afenifere Speaks on Rising Insecurity in Nigeria
Unrest Linked to Uneducated Youth, Foreign Interference, and Poor Leadership by Afenifere Group
In an open letter to the nation, Afenifere, a leading pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has raised red flags regarding the escalating threat of terrorism across Nigeria, particularly in the Northern regions.
Issued by Afenifere's National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the statement drew attention to several factors underlying the country's insecurity predicament.
Among these factors were the presence of ungoverned territories, poorly managed borders, the influx of weapons, and the involvement of influential politicians, both domestic and foreign. Criminal activities, illicit mining, and foreign interests were noted as additional aggravating factors.
Ajayi emphasized the link between socio-political tensions, regional instability in the Sahel, farmer-herder clashes, and the surging population of jobless youth, primarily in the North, as contributing to the unfolding chaos.
He underscored the role of weak governance structures, religious and ethnic intolerance, and politicians' alleged collusion in worsening the crisis. To back his claims, Ajayi referenced previous statements by Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, highlighting the influence of foreign elements in domestic insecurity.
"There have been consistent reports linking foreign elements, particularly from Mali, to attacks on Nigerian soil," Ajayi stated.
Recent violent incidents in states like Plateau, Benue, Niger, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kwara have caused enormous loss of life and billions in property damages. The group pointed out the inadequate response to security threats at the subnational level as a significant enabling factor for terrorism.
Citing a scholarly framework, Afenifere argued that territories without effective governance, high levels of corruption, and limited legitimate livelihood opportunities create the perfect environment for organized crime to thrive. The organization also expressed concern about extremist factions targeting uneducated youths as their primary recruits.
In 2010, over 30,000 bandits were reportedly active in the North-West. Despite subsequent security efforts, this number has continued to rise due to the large number of uneducated, unemployed youths. Ajayi reminded Nigerians of the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who warned long ago that neglecting the education of the underprivileged would eventually undermine social harmony.
Afenifere further explored the trend of violence among disillusioned youth, employing the "Frustration-Aggression Theory" to explain it. Many young people, faced with broken dreams, are turning to aggressive and violent behavior in frustration.
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- Afenifere, in a letter addressed to the nation, highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions.
- Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, pointed out several contributing factors to Nigeria's insecurity predicament, including the presence of ungoverned territories and the influx of weapons.
- Ajayi also emphasized the link between socio-political tensions, regional instability in the Sahel, farmer-herder clashes, and the surging population of jobless youth as key factors in the unfolding chaos.
- He underscored the role of weak governance structures, religious and ethnic intolerance, and politicians' alleged collusion in worsening the crisis, citing previous statements by Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff and Benue State Governor.
- Ajayi stated that there have been consistent reports linking foreign elements, particularly from Mali, to attacks on Nigerian soil.
- Recent violent incidents in states like Plateau, Benue, Niger, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kwara have caused enormous loss of life and billions in property damages.
- Afenifere argued that territories without effective governance, high levels of corruption, and limited legitimate livelihood opportunities create the perfect environment for organized crime to thrive.
- The organization expressed concern about extremist factions targeting uneducated youths as their primary recruits, reminding Nigerians of the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who warned long ago that neglecting the education of the underprivileged would eventually undermine social harmony.
