Afenifere Warns of Terrorist-Backed Expansion in Kwara, Kogi, Cautions Sponsors of Violence

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over recent attacks in Kwara and Kogi states, describing them as calculated attempts by terrorists, territorial expansionists, and other destabilising forces to endanger communities and carve out illegal chiefdoms.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, Afenifere condemned the invasion of communities in the two states, where lives were lost, properties destroyed, and socio-economic activities disrupted. The group warned that the violent tactics and sophisticated weapons used by the attackers suggest backing from powerful sponsors both within and outside Nigeria.

“The method of operation of these terrorists goes beyond ransom-seeking or herding livestock. Their weapons and coordinated assaults point to strong sponsorship locally and internationally,” the statement noted, hinting at the possible involvement of illegal mining interests.

Afenifere cautioned that those enabling and supporting violent actors would not be spared from the chaos they are fueling, citing the prolonged instability in Libya after Gaddafi’s ouster and Afghanistan’s descent into repression under the Taliban as global lessons.

The group also expressed deep sympathy to the people of Kwara and Kogi over recent tragedies, including deadly flooding and boat mishaps, which have compounded the insecurity plaguing the region.

Ajayi recalled President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day pledge to tackle insecurity, stressing that the Middle Belt — particularly Kogi, Benue, Plateau, and parts of Kwara — remains a flashpoint for violence between armed groups and farming communities.

Afenifere, founded in 1998 and known for its consistent advocacy on security and good governance, reiterated its call for urgent action, warning that continued terrorist expansion threatens not only the Middle Belt but also the South-West and the entire nation.