By Ehis Agbon.
Lagos, Nigeria | March 16, 2025
The National Youth President of Afenifere, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, has called for decisive action against the rising wave of kidnappings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Southwest Nigeria. Ojajuni, who was recently abducted in Ondo State, shared his harrowing experience with the press, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
Ojajuni recounted how, on February 17, 2025, while traveling near Akunu Akoko, Ondo State, his vehicle was ambushed by armed men dressed in military uniforms. The attackers fired 19 bullets at his car, injuring him and others before abducting them. He was held captive for 12 days, during which he endured severe torture and witnessed other victims, particularly women, being subjected to inhumane treatment.
“I sustained two gunshot wounds, one of which narrowly missed my spinal cord. I was beaten 72 times daily while the kidnappers used sophisticated tracking technology to monitor and negotiate ransoms,” he revealed.
The Afenifere youth leader disclosed that the kidnappers operate from organized camps spread across the Southwest, including 27 in Ondo State, 16 in Ekiti, seven in Osun, and five in Ogun. These camps serve as bases for highly coordinated abductions, where victims are held for ransom under brutal conditions.
Ojajuni described how his ransom was initially set to be paid in Ikare but was later moved to Ibilo after the kidnappers detected security monitoring their activities. He further warned that the criminals have developed advanced tactics, including using victims’ phones to track movements and block contacts.
The youth leader’s ordeal adds to growing concerns over insecurity in the region. His call for immediate intervention by security agencies, community leaders, and government authorities echoes the frustration of many Nigerians who feel abandoned in the face of escalating violence.
“This menace must be confronted with urgency. Our people can no longer live in fear while criminal elements operate with impunity,” Ojajuni declared.
As the crisis worsens, his plea reinforces demands for strategic security reforms, intelligence-driven operations, and community-led initiatives to combat the growing threat of kidnappings in Southwest Nigeria.
