State police, economic reforms urgent for stability, says Afenifere

By Boye Oyeyemi, Akure –

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has emphasized that the establishment of state police and the implementation of far-reaching economic reforms are critical to achieving national stability in Nigeria.

This position was contained in a communiqué issued after the group’s caucus meeting held on Tuesday at the Akure residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti. The meeting was presided over by elder statesman, Oba Olu Falae, while the communiqué was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi.

Afenifere warned that unless urgent steps are taken to restructure the country’s political and security architecture, Nigeria will continue to grapple with deepening insecurity and widespread economic hardship.

The group decried the persistent wave of killings and violent attacks in several parts of the country, citing Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo states, as well as Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Katsina. It expressed concern that, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies, the safety of Nigerians remains gravely compromised.

Reaffirming its long-standing position, Afenifere called for the immediate creation of state police, asserting that localized policing is essential to effectively address Nigeria’s complex security challenges. It further stressed the need to deploy modern security equipment, including drones and surveillance systems, to bolster intelligence gathering and response.

The group also urged the federal and state governments to fully enforce anti-open grazing laws and to accelerate the establishment of ranches, in order to end recurring clashes between farmers and herders across the country.

On the economy, Afenifere acknowledged recent policy reforms introduced by the federal government but maintained that more decisive and targeted interventions are needed to reduce the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.

In addition, the group called for the speedy completion of key road infrastructure across Yorubaland, with specific reference to the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa–Akure and Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbomoso–Ilorin highways, describing them as critical to regional development and national integration.