By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their proactive response to the growing threat of kidnapping and banditry in their states.
The organisation also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as well as the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states, Lanre Ogunlowo and Olohundare Jimoh, for their coordinated efforts in tackling criminal activities along the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore corridor.
In a letter titled, “Afenifere Commends Security Chiefs and Governors for Decisive Action Against Banditry and Kidnapping on the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore Road,” signed by its National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, the group lauded the Inspector-General of Police for providing strategic leadership and promoting intelligence-driven policing that has strengthened the fight against organised crime.
According to Afenifere, the unwavering political commitment demonstrated by Governors Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu has created an enabling environment for security agencies to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
The letter, written on behalf of Afenifere Leader and Asiwaju of Yorubaland, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, noted that the prompt and coordinated response by the governors and security chiefs had significantly restored public confidence in safety across the affected areas.
The organisation further stated that the successful security operation underscored the importance of purposeful leadership, professional policing and robust inter-state collaboration in combating violent crimes.
Afenifere particularly commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police for his operational knowledge of the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore axis, while applauding his Lagos counterpart for deploying personnel, specialised equipment and logistics that contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
Reaffirming its commitment to a secure South-West, the organisation declared that the region would remain hostile to kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.
“The message is unequivocal: ‘Kò sí àyè’—there is no place for evil in Yorubaland. Those who seek to threaten the peace, security and prosperity of our people will continue to face the full weight of the law. The Yoruba people remain profoundly grateful for this exemplary display of courage, dedication and public service,” the letter stated.
The commendation followed a joint emergency security operation involving personnel of the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, which resulted in the rescue of five kidnapped victims less than 24 hours after they were abducted along the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore Highway. The operation also led to the neutralisation of several suspected criminals and the arrest of others.