Following the shocking coordinated attacks on three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised the alarm over the worsening security situation, declaring that “Yorubaland is now under siege.”

In a strong statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group expressed profound dismay over the daylight assault where terrorists on motorcycles invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele. The invasion resulted in the killing of an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist, alongside the mass abduction of over 45 pupils and a vice principal.

Ajayi conveyed the deep sadness of Afenifere’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, noting that the horrific incident occurred during the very week the elder statesman marked his 100th birthday.

While extending heartfelt condolences to the traumatized families and praying for the recovery of the injured, the leader demanded an immediate and permanent halt to the life-threatening insecurity ravaging the nation.

Afenifere pointedly challenged the governors of the South-West states to step up and prove that they are capable of fulfilling their primary, constitutionally assigned responsibilities: protecting the lives and welfare of citizens.

The group insisted that state governments must take aggressive, preemptive measures to guarantee that no community within the region falls victim to bandits and kidnappers ever again.