Afenifere backs Tinubu’s security plan amid warnings of food crisis

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating a five-year strategic security and defence plan. The directive includes a National Threat Assessment and a Strategic Defence Operations Plan to be developed within 90 days to improve coordination among intelligence and security agencies.

However, the group warned that the Southwest region faces a potential food crisis due to escalating insecurity. Afenifere reported that persistent attacks, killings, and kidnappings targeting farmers and agribusiness investors in states including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo are driving agricultural workers away from their land. These incidents have reportedly discouraged investment and reduced agricultural productivity.

To address these challenges, Afenifere advocated for robust military action, tighter border controls, community policing, and economic reforms to improve citizens' purchasing power. The group also called for stringent sanctions against those convicted of banditry and urged authorities to address ungoverned spaces.