The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, has urged the Federal Government to amend the State Police Bill before the National Assembly to place policing on the Concurrent Legislative List, arguing that the current proposal grants excessive control to the Federal Government.
The group said state governments must be given greater constitutional authority over policing to effectively tackle the country’s worsening insecurity.
Afenifere made the call in a communiqué issued after its meeting held at the residence of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State. The communiqué was read by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for transmitting the State Police Bill to the National Assembly and praising lawmakers for their commitment to considering the legislation, the group maintained that some provisions require urgent review.
According to Afenifere, the bill, as currently drafted, risks making state police an extension of the Federal Government instead of creating autonomous policing structures under the control of state governments.
The organisation called on the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly to ensure policing is constitutionally placed on the Concurrent Legislative List.
Afenifere also expressed concern over the worsening security situation across Yorubaland, urging governors in the South-West, including those of Kogi and Kwara states, to take more decisive measures to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The group lamented the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, noting that more than 50 days after the incident, the victims had yet to regain their freedom.
“It is unfortunate that the victims have not yet been rescued. We are deeply disturbed that these innocent Nigerians continue to suffer avoidable trauma. Efforts must be intensified to ensure they are rescued as quickly as possible,” the communiqué stated.
Afenifere sympathised with the affected families and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
The organisation also condemned the reported attack on students’ hostels at Osun State University, allegedly carried out by recruits of the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo.
It noted allegations that the suspects robbed students, assaulted some of them and sexually harassed female students, while welcoming the reported arrest of at least five persons in connection with the incident.
Afenifere called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable, describing the allegations as particularly disturbing because those implicated were trainees expected to protect citizens.
The group further recommended a review of the recruitment and training processes within the nation’s security agencies to prevent similar incidents.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Afenifere urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully, warning against violence, thuggery, intimidation and character assassination.
It also commended the military and other security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity, while expressing sympathy with families of personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the line of duty.
The group called for increased funding, improved welfare, better equipment and intelligence-driven operations for security agencies, stressing the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address insecurity.
It also urged the government to identify and prosecute collaborators aiding criminal groups, saying internal sabotage continues to undermine efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
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