Nigeria: Afenifere Warns of Disturbing New Trends in South West Kidnappings

The pan Yoruba socio political organization Afenifere has issued a grave warning regarding the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s South West region. In a statement released on Saturday, the group revealed that kidnappers have shifted from traditional monetary demands to more depraved and unusual ransoms, including illicit drugs and virgins.

National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi highlighted that the cruelty of these criminal elements has reached unprecedented levels. According to the organization, residents across the region are living in a state of heightened fear as terrorists increasingly target homes, farms, and places of worship. Recent reports from Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Kwara states detail a series of violent incursions where gunmen have killed residents and abducted others for ransom.

The nature of the demands made by these captors illustrates a troubling descent into lawlessness. In several instances, kidnappers requested specific quantities of Indian hemp, cocaine, and the synthetic drug known as ICE. These substances, along with crates of alcohol and cash payments reaching 1.5 million Naira, are now frequently cited during negotiations. In one particularly harrowing case, abductors reportedly demanded virgins in exchange for the release of four male captives.

Afenifere expressed deep concern that even private residences are no longer safe from the reach of bandits. The group pointed to a recent incident in Akure where a man was shot while attempting to protect his wife from being snatched from their doorstep. Similar house to house raids have been reported in Ekiti and as far as Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory.

While acknowledging that the insecurity spans across many states including Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna, Ajayi maintained that these criminal groups are not invincible. The organization urged the federal government to take decisive action by identifying and neutralizing the financial sponsors of these gangs. By cutting off their supply of weapons and funding, the authorities can effectively dismantle their operations.

To bolster local security, Afenifere renewed its call for the establishment of state police forces. The group also encouraged South West governors to increase surveillance in forests and rural areas to deny criminals any safe haven. A collaborative approach between federal and state authorities remains essential to ending this wave of terrorism and restoring peace to the country.