Kidnappers Demand N100m: Afenifere national Youth council president Battles for Survival
Afenifere National Youth Council President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has mobilized the Intelligence Response Team to secure his immediate release. Ojajuni was forcibly taken on February 17, 2025, while on his route to Abuja, sustaining gunshot wounds during the incident. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N100 million for his freedom.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, conveyed the police’s unwavering commitment to Ojajuni’s safe return. He stated, “The Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to the safe return of Prince Ojajuni and is deploying all necessary resources and expertise to achieve this objective.” Adejobi also cautioned the public against disseminating unverified information on social media, emphasizing that such actions could compromise ongoing rescue operations and endanger the victim.
The Afenifere National Youth Council has expressed profound concern over the welfare of their leader. National Secretary Abiodun Aderohunmu highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Ojajuni sustained gunshot injuries during the abduction. He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to expedite efforts to ensure Ojajuni’s safe release. Aderohunmu also appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the rescue mission.
In a distressing development, a video surfaced on February 24, 2025, showing a visibly injured Ojajuni pleading for assistance. With an assailant brandishing an AK-47 rifle at his chest, Ojajuni implored, “Nigerians, please help me! Your donation—N100,000, N50,000, or N1,000,000—can go a long way in saving my life.” This plea underscores the urgency of the situation and the critical need for prompt intervention.
The abduction has sparked widespread concern, with security experts emphasizing the alarming frequency of such incidents. Analyst Jackson Ojo criticized the apparent inability of communication and security agencies to trace perpetrators, despite the utilization of communication devices by kidnappers. He remarked, “If something like this happens…and these people are using communication gadgets…and we are saying we have communication experts…and these people doing this are not traceable, it’s a shame.”
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its dedication to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of all citizens. ACP Adejobi stated, “The Nigeria Police Force will continue to actively pursue and dismantle all criminal elements operating within our communities, with the ultimate goal of establishing peace and safety.” He also urged the public to exercise caution and avoid sharing unverified information that could jeopardize rescue efforts.
As the situation unfolds, the collective hope remains for the swift and safe return of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address security challenges and protect citizens from such heinous acts.