The Afenifere National Youth Council (AYC) has urgently called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the Southwestern region of Nigeria in response to the rising wave of kidnappings and killings. The group, which represents the youth wing of the Afenifere socio-political organization, expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation in the Southwest, particularly in Ondo State, where criminal activities have reached alarming levels.
In a heartfelt letter to President Tinubu, the AYC President, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, outlined the dire situation, citing personal experience as a victim of kidnapping. Ojajuni was abducted last month in Akunnu, Ondo State, and spent 12 harrowing days in captivity before being released. His ordeal has fueled his call for immediate action to curb the growing insecurity that threatens the lives and livelihoods of residents in the region.
“The situation in Ondo State and other parts of the Southwest has become intolerable. Kidnappers have turned our forests into ransom negotiation grounds, and roads, especially the Lagos-Abuja expressway, have become death traps,” Ojajuni wrote. “Farmers can no longer access their farmlands, and people live in constant fear of being abducted for ransom.”
The AYC’s call for a state of emergency comes as the number of kidnapping incidents in the Southwest has surged. Criminals, often armed with sophisticated weapons, have been targeting both wealthy individuals and ordinary citizens, with no region being spared from their violence. The letter emphasizes the urgent need for a coordinated response to address the threat posed by these criminal groups.
Ojajuni’s own abduction was a traumatic experience that shed light on the extent of the crisis. He described being held in the wilderness for days, deprived of food and water, and enduring painful injuries from gunshot wounds. His release was a stroke of luck, but he highlighted the lasting psychological scars that many victims carry long after their physical wounds have healed.
The AYC President shared his experience to underscore the human toll of the ongoing insecurity, which he believes has reached a critical point. “Beyond the physical pain, the psychological trauma is unbearable. I struggle with sleepless nights, and I am constantly reminded of the horrors I faced,” Ojajuni added. “The fear is real, and it could happen to anyone.”
The letter outlined several urgent recommendations aimed at curbing the growing tide of insecurity in the region. These include:
- Declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the Southwest, particularly in Ondo State, to draw attention to the urgent nature of the crisis.
- Deploy a special military operation- to reclaim forests and rural areas from kidnappers and other criminal groups.
- Strengthen border security to prevent the influx of armed herders and terrorists into the region.
- Empower local security forces, such as Amotekun, to effectively combat these criminal elements.
- Implement long-term security reforms-to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
- Investigate ransom payments-to trace where the funds are going and disrupt criminal financing.
- Increase security surveillance- in areas with abandoned properties, which are often used as hideouts by criminals.
- Engage youth associations- to take an active role in combating insecurity, with the Federal Government encouraging political leaders to hold regular town hall meetings in local communities.
- Strengthen collaboration among Southwest Governors-to create a united front against insecurity in the region.
Ojajuni also pointed out that many of the kidnappers work with locals, some of whom have strong knowledge of information and communication technology (ICT) to track mobile devices. These local spies often speak regional dialects and act as informants for the criminal gangs. The AYC President mentioned that he had written to the Governor of Lagos State, urging him to convene an urgent meeting of Southwest Governors to address the security challenges. However, he stressed that only a strong federal directive could ensure the swift and coordinated action needed to tackle the crisis.
The call for a state of emergency and a more comprehensive security response reflects the deep frustration felt by residents of the Southwest, who have witnessed an alarming rise in the number of criminal activities. Kidnapping, in particular, has become a lucrative and widespread criminal enterprise, with criminals targeting individuals on highways, in their homes, and in rural areas. The increased use of forests and remote areas as bases for these criminals has made it difficult for security agencies to effectively combat the threat.
The situation in Ondo State, once known for its thriving agricultural sector, has become particularly dire. Farmers are no longer able to work their lands, and many have been forced to abandon their livelihoods due to the fear of abduction. The rise in insecurity has had a devastating impact on the economy, with agriculture and other local industries suffering as a result.
The AYC’s call for the deployment of a special military operation to reclaim forests from kidnappers is a response to the growing number of cases where criminal groups have taken over large swaths of rural land. The forests have become a haven for these criminals, who use the cover of dense vegetation to carry out their nefarious activities. The deployment of security forces to these areas is seen as a necessary step to restore control and protect local communities.
The Afenifere National Youth Council’s letter to President Tinubu highlights the desperation felt by residents of the Southwest, who are now calling for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis. The region’s security situation has become a pressing national issue, with calls for a united effort to combat the growing tide of criminality.
As the insecurity in the Southwest continues to escalate, the AYC’s appeal to President Tinubu for urgent intervention has gained widespread attention. The group has stressed the need for federal leadership to bring together the various stakeholders, including local governments, security agencies, and youth organizations, in the fight against insecurity.
In the face of increasing kidnappings, killings, and violence, the people of the Southwest are calling for an end to the crisis, and for leaders at all levels to prioritize the safety and well-being of their communities.
