A Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, in the United Kingdom and Europe, has urged the government at all levels within the South- West region of Nigeria to take proactive measures to improve internal security and checkmate activities of illegal miners towards protection of lives and properties in the region.
The group also called on the government at both national and state levels to deploy modern technologies in combating internal security, stressing that now is the time to take such a step.
The group made the calls sequel to the recent explosion in Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State where five people were sent to their early graves and about 80 others were injured and property worth billions of Naira was destroyed.
The group in a statement issued on Sunday by its Secretary, Anthony Ajayi, said illegal mining sites in Nigeria are now being used to endangered people’s lives and properties and government must do something to curb their activities to prevent the recurrence of Ibadan episodes anywhere nationwide.
According to the statement, almost every day, one hears about the avoidable loss of life and property caused by insecurity in Nigeria, adding that in Nigeria, there is no disputation that despite the concerted efforts that have so far been made in tackling the internal security threats and challenges, the security problems are still very much with us.
The group stated further that all over Nigeria, illegal activities are now posing great threats and challenges to peace, security and national development.
It also pointed out that vigilance and protection of the region should be the priority for leaders in the region to checkmate activities of miners and ensure natural resources are legally explored for development of the region.
It equally said the peace and development of the region should be paramount to all Yoruba descendants, who are professionals and experts in the discovery of natural resources to join hands with the various state governments towards ensuring legal operation of mining of natural resources in the region.
The group noted that Nigeria is the only large country with a federal system of government that still operates a unitary police system and therefore canvassed for local police.
While also urging the government to target security surge based on accurate and timely intelligence to pinpoint high-risk areas and specific threats, the group said there is need to take detailed records of any dangerous materials being brought into the country irrespective of through which borders and also ensure the security agents such as Customs, Air force, Navy and Immigration are held accountable for lapses in their respective jurisdictions.
The group therefore also urged President Bola Tinubu to be more committed to Nigeria’s internal security, saying it is only in an atmosphere of peace that meaningful progress can take place in Nigeria.
. TheWitness
