By Our Correspondent
National News – Afenifere, led by elder statesman Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has raised alarm over worsening insecurity in Yorubaland following coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The group said armed men on motorcycles stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, causing panic, injuries and disruption of academic activities.
It said the attacks highlight a broader security crisis affecting the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria, where communities have faced repeated kidnappings and violent raids in recent months.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Afenifere warned that Yorubaland was “under siege,” urging state governments and security agencies to act swiftly.
The organisation lamented that the latest assault came amid earlier incidents, including kidnappings in Ogun and Oyo, armed attacks in Ekiti, and deadly raids in Kwara communities.
It stressed that the incidents demonstrate that insecurity is no longer confined to northern Nigeria but is spreading southwards, threatening schools, worship centres, and rural settlements.
Afenifere also referenced security initiatives such as Amotekun, CCTV deployments, and surveillance investments by South-West governors, questioning their effectiveness in preventing recent attacks.
The group called on the Federal Government, state authorities, and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response mechanisms, and protect vulnerable communities, especially schools.
It reaffirmed that ensuring safety remains the primary duty of government, emphasizing the need for coordinated action to prevent further loss of lives and abductions across Yorubaland.
Security experts say the escalating violence underscores urgent need for improved border surveillance, community policing, and better coordination among regional security outfits like Amotekun and federal agencies.
Residents in affected Oyo communities remain fearful, with parents calling for immediate protection of schools and rural settlements.
Afenifere reiterated that without decisive intervention, further attacks could destabilise education and economic activities across Yorubaland, urging leaders to prioritise intelligence-led operations and long-term security reforms to restore public confidence.
Stakeholders continue to monitor developments across the region.
