By Eniola Ojajuni
On February 17, 2025, I became a victim of the growing wave of kidnappings by Fulani herdsmen in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria. My traumatic ordeal has strengthened my resolve to speak out against this escalating security crisis and to demand immediate and decisive action from the government and all relevant authorities.
While traveling near Akunu Akoko, Ondo State, en route Abuja, my vehicle was ambushed by armed Fulani herdsmen dressed in military uniforms, despite being near a military checkpoint. The attackers sprayed our vehicle with 19 bullets, wounding me and others before forcibly abducting us. I endured 12 gruelling days in captivity.
During this time, I sustained two gunshot wounds one narrowly missing my spinal cord and suffered relentless physical abuse, including being beaten 72 times daily. I witnessed fellow captives, especially women, subjected to brutal mistreatment. The kidnappers, armed with over 20 AK-47 rifles, operated with precision, coordination, and alarming confidence. They used my phone to track, negotiate, and monitor communications, revealing their advanced technological capabilities.
These criminals have established well organized kidnapping camps across Southwest Nigeria, strategically positioned for their operations:
Ondo State – 27 camps
Ekiti State – 16 camps
Osun State – 7 camps
Ogun State – 5 camps
Their reign of terror targets innocent travellers, extorts families, and destabilizes communities with impunity.
My ransom was initially to be paid in Ikare but was later moved to Ibilo after they realized security forces were tracking their movements.
They thoroughly searched my phone, blocked certain contacts, and monitored social media using advanced technology to evade detection.
AN URGENT APPEAL TO SOUTHWEST GOVERNORS: SECURITY & YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
I call on the Southwest Governors’ Forum to urgently convene a regional security summit with youth representatives to tackle this escalating crisis. 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.
This initiative will:
Strengthen intelligence gathering
Improve community surveillance
Ensure swift reporting and response to suspicious activities
I am prepared to provide firsthand intelligence on these kidnappers’ operations, gained during my captivity, to help dismantle these criminal networks.
The Ondo State government, in particular, has been criticized for its lack of urgency in addressing this crisis.
The growing audacity of these criminals must not go unchecked. Immediate action is needed to restore security and bring the perpetrators to justice.
THE GROWING THREAT: A WARNING FOR SOUTHWEST STATES
During my 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 my abduction.
This intelligence should serve as a wake-up call to all security agencies and state governments in the Southwest. If urgent measures are not taken, more innocent lives will be at risk.
I salute the bravery and resilience of my fellow captives, including Garuba (Dongo) and our driver. I also appreciate the unwavering support of my wife and my younger brother, Amos Ojajuni, who worked tirelessly to secure my release.
Additionally, I acknowledge two women who suffered immense abuse and are still receiving medical treatment:
Mrs. Ramota (from Okitipupa, Ondo State; originally from Kwara State)
Another abductee from Abuja, whose current condition I am still trying to verify.
I also extend my solidarity to the seven men and two women who were kidnapped alongside me. Their suffering must not be in vain it must be a catalyst for change.
DEMANDS FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION
The Nigerian government must act swiftly and decisively to combat this crisis by:
1. Deploying additional security personnel to high-risk areas
2. Establishing more security checkpoints along highways and forest borders
3. Enhancing intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations
4. Identifying and prosecuting collaborators aiding these criminals
5. Conducting comprehensive security sweeps across forests in Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ibilo, and Lagos
I strongly advocate for the creation of a robust regional security network in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force & Nigeria Forest Guards.
I also commend the Inspector General of Police for launching an intelligence-driven rescue operation and appreciate the Nigeria Forest Team’s swift intervention. However, more needs to be done.
CONCLUSION: THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW
Nigerians are resilient, but we cannot continue to live under the threat of insecurity. The time for action is NOW.
Our leaders must be held accountable, and we must demand immediate solutions to end the reign of terror inflicted by Fulani herdsmen.
We must rise, defend our communities, and secure a safer future for all.
*Prince Ojajuni is Afenifere National Youth President
