Prince Eniola Ojajuni, a former gubernatorial candidate and President of the Afenifere National Youth Council, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in Nigeria’s Southwest region. His appeal follows his recent abduction and release after spending 12 days in captivity.
Ojajuni was kidnapped on February 17, 2025, near Akunu Akoko in Ondo State while traveling to Abuja. According to reports, his abductors, disguised as military personnel, attacked his vehicle, injuring him and others before taking them hostage. He was later released after a ransom payment of ₦17 million.
Addressing the press after regaining freedom, Ojajuni condemned the increasing cases of kidnappings and violent crimes in the Southwest, urging the federal government to take urgent measures to curb the security crisis. He also called on Southwest governors to organize a regional security summit, with youth participation, to develop proactive solutions.
In addition, Ojajuni proposed the immediate establishment of a Southwest Youth Security Network to collaborate with security agencies, including the Nigeria Forest Guards Team and the Nigeria Police Force, to enhance intelligence gathering, community surveillance, and rapid response to security threats.
Meanwhile, Southwest governors have announced plans to strengthen security coordination across the region. As part of their efforts, they intend to create a joint surveillance monitoring team to collaborate with federal security agencies and local security outfits. The initiative aims to improve intelligence-sharing and ensure prompt action against criminal activities in the region.
The call for urgent security measures comes amid rising concerns over the safety of residents in the Southwest, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to tackle the growing menace of kidnappings and violent crimes.
