Use carrot and stick method to check terrorism, Afenifere urges Tinubu

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to employ a combination of incentives and penalties to address the increasing incidences of kidnapping and terrorism in the country.

The statement from the Reuben Fasoranti faction, issued in Ibadan, Oyo State, expressed deep concern about the surge in crimes in various states such as Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Borno, Sokoto, Niger, Ondo, Katsina, and Rivers. Specific flashpoints with high crime rates were highlighted, and it was noted that security agencies had recently intervened in Igbeti and Sepeteri, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, to thwart a suspected bandit attack.

The faction drew attention to the fears of residents in Ondo State, particularly in Akoko and Igbara Oke, where armed herdsmen are a source of anxiety. Additionally, the statement highlighted the apprehension among residents in certain parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, due to the threat of kidnappers.

Recognizing the diverse motives behind these acts of terrorism, the statement emphasized the need for tailored strategies to address each specific challenge appropriately. It suggested convening meetings with local leaders, representatives of youth, religious bodies, artisans, and even identified troublemakers in affected areas. The proposed approach involves a combination of incentives and penalties, commonly referred to as the carrot and stick method, to effectively address the varying motivations behind criminal activities.