Taoreed Abdullahi
Southwest Governors have been urged to intensify efforts to curb the activities of kidnappers and herders operating in the region.
The President of Afenifere National Youth, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, made the appeal during a media briefing in Lagos, where he recounted his own ordeal at the hands of kidnappers.
Prince Ojajuni called on the governors to urgently convene a regional security summit with youth representatives to address the escalating crisis.
He advocated for the immediate creation of a Southwest Youth Security Network in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Forest Guards Team, saying that this network would focus on strengthening intelligence gathering, improving community surveillance, and ensuring prompt reporting and response to suspicious activities.
Prince Ojajuni also offered to provide firsthand intelligence on the kidnappers’ operations, which he gained during his captivity, to help dismantle these criminal networks. He particularly criticized the Ondo State government for its lack of urgency in addressing this crisis.
On February 17, 2025, Prince Ojajuni, along with others, was kidnapped while travelling near Akunu Akoko in Ondo State en route to Abuja. Armed herdsmen dressed in military uniforms attacked them, spraying their vehicle with nineteen bullets and wounding him and others before forcibly abducting them for twelve harrowing days.
Prince Ojajuni said that during his captivity, he sustained two gunshot wounds—one narrowly missing his spinal cord—and endured relentless physical abuse, including being beaten seventy-two times daily. I have undergone surgery to remove one bullet at a hospital in Ondo, and I am currently seeking funds to remove a second bullet from my lower back. I earnestly request the support and prayers of Nigerians in this matter; I am in severe pain from the bullet, which prevents me from sleeping. Thank you for your help. Prince Ojajuni narrated.
He noted that he witnessed fellow captives, especially women, subjected to brutal mistreatment, recalling that the kidnappers were armed with over twenty AK-47 rifles and operated with precision, coordination, and alarming confidence.
Prince Ojajuni reported that these criminals had established well-organized kidnapping camps across Southwest Nigeria, strategically positioned for their operations, stating that there are twenty-seven camps in Ondo State, sixteen in Ekiti State, seven in Osun State, and five in Ogun State.
Prince Ojajuni said that this reign of terror targets innocent travellers, extorts families, and destabilizes communities with impunity.
He revealed that he paid seventeen million Naira as ransom, which was initially to be paid in Ikare but was later moved to Ibilo after the kidnappers realized security forces were tracking their movements, appreciating Nigerians for gathering the ransom to save his life, commending them for secure him from the hands of kidnappers
He explained that the kidnappers thoroughly searched his phone, blocked certain contacts, and monitored social media using advanced technology to evade detection.
Prince Ojajuni emphasized that the growing audacity of these criminals should not go unchecked, stating that immediate action is needed to restore security and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“During his captivity, the kidnappers boasted of their plans to intensify abductions in Ondo and Lagos States, citing their hidden camps in these regions. They also revealed details of their operations along the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road, near Oso-Sa Ijebu, weeks before his abduction”. Prince Ojajuni stated
He urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering as a wake-up call to all security agencies and state governments in the Southwest, warning that if urgent measures are not taken, more innocent lives will be at risk.
While commending the bravery and resilience of other captives, including Garuba, Dongo, and their driver, he also appreciated the unwavering support of his wife and younger brother, Amos Ojajuni, who worked tirelessly to secure his release.
Prince Ojajuni expressed his displeasure that since regaining freedom from the kidnappers, security agencies have not invited him for interrogations that could provide insights leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
He acknowledged two women who suffered immense abuse and are still receiving medical treatment: Mrs Ramota from Okitipupa, Ondo State, originally from Kwara State, and another abductee from Abuja, whose current condition he is still trying to verify.
Prince Ojajuni also extended his solidarity to seven men and two women who were kidnapped alongside him, stating that their suffering must not be in vain and should be a catalyst for change.
He demanded that the government act swiftly and decisively to combat this crisis by deploying additional security personnel to high-risk areas.
Prince Ojajuni called for the establishment of more security checkpoints along highways and forest borders to deter terrorists from engaging in their heinous acts.
He expressed that he would be much happier if security agencies enhanced intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations, which could lead to identifying and prosecuting collaborators aiding the criminals.