Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has raised the alarm over increasing attacks, killings and abductions of farmers and residents across the South-West, warning that the worsening insecurity could threaten food production and deepen food insecurity in the region.
The organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said the security situation was forcing farmers to abandon their farms because of fears of kidnapping, ransom demands and violent attacks. He cited reported incidents across Ondo, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, including the abduction of farmers and the killing of agricultural workers.
Afenifere also expressed concern over the reported abduction of 33-year-old poultry farmer Ooreoluwa Osonuga in Ogun State and the continued captivity of Debo Farounbi in Osun State despite an alleged N30 million ransom payment. The organisation said such incidents were discouraging farmers from venturing into their farms and affecting agricultural productivity.
The group identified insecurity, falling farm-gate prices, middlemen and alleged destruction of farmlands by herders as major challenges facing farmers. It warned that continued abandonment of farms could lead to reduced food production, rising food prices, unemployment and increased poverty across the region.
Afenifere called on the six South-West governors to strengthen the Amotekun security network by providing more personnel, operational vehicles, communication equipment and surveillance drones. It also advocated stronger military operations against criminal groups, improved border security, enforcement of anti-open-grazing laws and the creation of specialised ranger units to protect forest reserves.
The organisation urged federal and state authorities to urgently coordinate their security efforts and restore farmers’ confidence. It warned that failure to tackle rural insecurity could have serious consequences for the region’s agricultural economy and food security, while traditional authorities in Oyo State also backed calls for stronger protection of farmers and rural communities.