Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Monday, lamented the growing wave of terrorism across Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, North-Central, and North-West regions.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere attributed the surge in terrorist activities to a combination of factors, including ungoverned spaces, porous borders, the proliferation of weapons, complicity of state actors and influential individuals, sabotage, foreign interests, and illegal mining.

The organisation further blamed ethnic groups? quest for territorial dominance, instability in Sahel countries, farmer-pastoralist conflicts, a growing army of uneducated youths, particularly in the North, and socio-economic issues such as high unemployment, weak state presence, and a rising culture of wealth acquisition at any cost.

?In identifying the root causes of insecurity, it is clear that wide expanses of ungoverned land, porous northern borders, the proliferation of weapons, and weak institutional capacity all play critical roles,? Ajayi said.

He added that elements of sabotage by unscrupulous politicians, ethno-religious bigotry, and ineffective governance had worsened the situation.

Citing a January 2025 statement by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and a recent claim by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, Ajayi said there was credible evidence that foreign interests were fueling terrorism in Nigeria.

?There have been consistent reports linking foreign elements, particularly from Mali, to attacks on Nigerian soil,? he noted.

The PUNCH reports that recent banditry and terror attacks have rocked Plateau, Benue, Niger, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kwara states, resulting in substantial loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.

Afenifere highlighted Nigeria?s poor governance, particularly at the state and local government levels, as a major enabler of terrorism.

Quoting the Queer Ladder Theory, the group stated, ?Organised crimes thrive where the government?s ability to sanction and deter is weak, where public corruption is endemic, and where legitimate livelihood opportunities are slim.?

On the growing number of uneducated youths in the North, Afenifere warned that terror groups were increasingly recruiting from this vulnerable population.

?As many as 30,000 bandits were reportedly active in the North-West as far back as 2010. Despite security efforts, this number has swelled due to the mass of uneducated, unskilled youths,? Ajayi said, echoing Chief Obafemi Awolowo?s warning that the failure to educate the poor would eventually disrupt societal peace.

Afenifere linked the growing frustration among youths to the psychological principle known as ?Frustration-Aggression Theory,? noting that when promises fail to materialise, vulnerable youths often resort to violence.

Meanwhile, the group paid tribute to its former leader, the late Senator Abraham Adesanya, who died on April 27, 2008, describing him as a ?titan of conscience, courage, and unyielding patriotism.?

In a separate statement signed by Afenifere?s Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, the group lauded Adesanya?s legacy:

?A beacon of progressive thought and an unrelenting advocate for true federalism, Senator Adesanya?s life embodied a profound devotion to justice, liberty, and national equity. In an era of dictatorship and democratic subversion, he stood as a lone voice of moral authority, galvanising a generation yearning for a Nigeria governed by fairness and reason.? (The PUNCH)

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