Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has advocated the need for President Bola Tinubu to use of Hi-Tech devices to tackle crimes in the country.
The group gave the advice at its caucus meeting held at the residence of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Tuesday.
In a communique issued and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the organization, Comrade Jare Ajayi, made available to newsmen in Akure, Afenifere
supported the position of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu on self-defence by the locals.
Afenifere said: “Note is also taken of various efforts of the government to tackle the increasing security situation in the country.
“Afenifere feels that much as the security agencies are trying their best, a lot still needs to be done to stem the undesirable insecurity situation going on in different parts of the country.
“In this respect, Afenifere calls for accelerated actions for the urgent take-off of the much announced state police.
“Besides, as the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu suggested, local communities should be encouraged and funded to defend themselves.
“Furthermore, we feel that while both kinetic and non-kinectic strategies are employed to combat banditry and terrorism, community leaders, politicians and the locals should identify and check internal saboteurs and those who are collaborating with criminals.
“In the same vein, there is the need for strong policies on justice, fairness and a determination to ensure that no group of people constitute danger or threat to other people, especially in their ancestral homes.
“In the light of the above, Afenifere is recommending the following steps:Modern technology equipment be procured and appropriately deployed. Some of these are drones, close circuit cameras etc.
“Security personnel should also be motivated and encouraged.”
The group called for removal of all impediments to the Anti-Open grazing laws promulgated by state governments to check farmer/herder clashes.
It acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in fixing the nation’s economy.
It emphasized the need for more efforts on the economic reform policies for development and growth.
The communique further reads: “All the Impediments against the enforcement of Anti-Open grazing laws passed by some state governments be removed.
“This is to put a check on the destructions being visited on farmlands and stem farmers/herders clashes.
“The federal and state governments to encourage business entrepreneurs and individuals in the livestock sector to set up ranches.”
On transportation, Afenifere called on the Federal Government to fix major deplorable interstate highways in the Southwest.
According to the communique, “The meeting lauds the federal government for the road projects being carried out in various parts of the country.
“It again called for reconstruction works to be accelerated on Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure Road, Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, Ibadan-Abeokuta Road among others.
“We call on the authorities to prevail on contractors who have been mobilized to quickly move to the sites while those who are already on sites should expedite actions.”
