Afenifere Calls On FG To Arm Amotekun For Enhanced Security In South West

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has urged the Federal Government (FG) to authorize the use of sophisticated weapons for personnel of the Amotekun security network in the South West. This call aims to strengthen security efforts and curb the rising threat of banditry in the region.

Afenifere’s Stand on Amotekun and State Policing

Following a crucial meeting in Akure, the hometown of its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere expressed deep concerns over the increasing influx of bandits into Yoruba-speaking states.

According to a communique released by Jare Ajayi, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, licensing Amotekun to carry lethal weapons would serve as a preparatory step towards establishing State Police.

Key Recommendations from Afenifere

Licensing of Amotekun: The group insists that Amotekun personnel should be legally equipped with advanced firearms to combat insecurity effectively.
Enhanced Collaboration: Afenifere advocates for stronger cooperation between Amotekun and other national security agencies to improve intelligence sharing.
Installation of Command & Control Centers: Establishing security monitoring posts across all local government areas will enable real-time information sharing, similar to systems used in developed countries.

Addressing Food Price Inflation

Beyond security concerns, Afenifere also highlighted the rising cost of food items in Nigeria. The group urged state and local governments to support local farmers by providing essential resources at subsidized rates.

Benefits of Government Support for Farmers

Increased food availability, helping to stabilize market prices.
Boosted local economies and improved financial strength for councils.
Enhanced agricultural productivity, reducing dependency on imported food.

Conclusion

Afenifere’s demands reflect the urgent need for proactive measures to tackle insecurity and economic hardships in Nigeria. By empowering Amotekun and supporting local farmers, the government can foster a safer and more prosperous society in the South West region.