Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the National Youth President of Afenifere, has issued an urgent call for action against the escalating crisis of kidnappings perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen across Southwest Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, Ojajuni recounted his personal 12-day abduction ordeal and outlined concrete measures to combat what he described as “a reign of terror.”

A Survivor’s Testimony

On February 17, 2025, Ojajuni fell victim to armed kidnappers while traveling near Akunu Akoko in Ondo State en route to Abuja. His vehicle was ambushed by Fulani herdsmen disguised in military uniforms, who fired approximately 19 bullets at the travelers.

“They attacked us despite our proximity to a military checkpoint,” Ojajuni revealed. “I sustained two gunshot wounds, one narrowly missing my spinal cord, and was subjected to relentless physical abuse during captivity, including 72 daily beatings.”

The Afenifere youth leader described witnessing fellow captives, particularly women, endure brutal mistreatment. According to him, the kidnappers operated with alarming sophistication, wielding over 20 AK-47 rifles and employing advanced technological capabilities to track, negotiate, and monitor communications using victims’ phones.

The Scale of the Crisis

Ojajuni’s investigation revealed an extensive network of kidnapping operations across the Southwest region. He identified specific numbers of criminal camps established in various states:

“These criminals have established well-organized kidnapping camps strategically positioned across Southwest Nigeria: Ondo State harbors 27 camps, Ekiti State 16, Osun State 7, and Ogun State 5,” he stated.

The youth leader explained how the kidnappers initially planned to collect his ransom in Ikare but later relocated to Ibilo after suspecting security surveillance. He noted their sophisticated methods for evading detection, including thorough searches of victims’ phones, blocking certain contacts, and monitoring social media activity.

A Regional Security Framework

In his address, Ojajuni called on the Southwest Governors’ Forum to urgently convene a regional security summit that would include youth representatives.

“I propose the immediate creation of a Southwest Youth Security Network in collaboration with the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Forest Guards Team,” he urged. “This initiative will strengthen intelligence gathering, improve community surveillance, and ensure swift reporting and response to suspicious activities.”

The Afenifere youth president expressed readiness to provide firsthand intelligence on the kidnappers’ operations based on observations during his captivity. He specifically criticized the Ondo State government for what he described as “a lack of urgency” in addressing the security crisis.

Imminent Threats and Warning Signs

During his captivity, Ojajuni gathered critical intelligence about planned future operations. “The kidnappers boasted of plans to intensify abductions in Ondo and Lagos States, citing their hidden camps in these regions,” he revealed. “They also disclosed details of their operations along the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road, near Oso-Sa Ijebu, weeks before my abduction.”

He emphasized that this intelligence should serve as a wake-up call to all security agencies and state governments in the Southwest, warning that without urgent intervention, more innocent lives would be at risk.

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Acknowledgments and Solidarity

Ojajuni acknowledged the bravery of his fellow captives, including individuals identified as Garuba (Dongo) and their driver. He expressed appreciation for his wife and younger brother, Amos Ojajuni, who worked tirelessly to secure his release.

“I also recognize 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 condition I am still trying to verify,” he added.

The youth leader extended solidarity to seven men and two women kidnapped alongside him, stating that their suffering “must not be in vain but serve as a catalyst for change.”

Specific Demands for Government Action

Ojajuni outlined five concrete measures for immediate implementation:

1. Deployment of additional security personnel to high-risk areas
2. Establishment of more security checkpoints along highways and forest borders
3. Enhancement of intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations
4. Identification and prosecution of collaborators aiding the criminals
5. Comprehensive security sweeps across forests in Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ibilo, and Lagos

He advocated for creating a robust regional security network in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Forest Guards. While commending the Inspector General of Police for launching an intelligence-driven rescue operation and acknowledging the Nigeria Forest Team’s intervention, Ojajuni insisted more comprehensive action was necessary.

A Call for Accountability and Action

“Nigerians are resilient, but we cannot continue to live under the threat of insecurity. The time for action is now,” Ojajuni declared in his concluding remarks. “Our leaders must be held accountable, and we must demand immediate solutions to end the reign of terror inflicted by Fulani herdsmen.”

The Afenifere youth president closed with a rallying cry: “We must rise, defend our communities, and secure a safer future for all.”