Eniola Ojajuni, the National Youth Leader of Afenifere, has been released after enduring a 12-day abduction that drew national attention and highlighted escalating security concerns in Nigeria.
The Kidnapping Incident
On February 17, 2025, Ojajuni was abducted by gunmen while traveling from Ondo State to Abuja. The assailants ambushed his vehicle near Akuni, a border town between Ondo and Kogi States. During the attack, Ojajuni sustained a gunshot wound to the buttock before being taken captive.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for his release. In a distressing video circulated on social media, a visibly injured Ojajuni pleaded for public assistance, stating, “Nigerians, please help me! Your donation—₦100,000, ₦50,000, or ₦1,000,000—can go a long way in saving my life.”
National Response and Rescue Efforts
The abduction prompted widespread condemnation and calls for swift action. The Nigerian Police Force intensified efforts to secure Ojajuni’s release, with the Inspector General of Police deploying the Intelligence Response Team to prioritize his rescue.
Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, urged the governments of Ondo and Kogi States, as well as relevant security agencies, to act promptly to ensure Ojajuni’s safety.
Release and Ongoing Security Concerns
Ojajuni was released on March 1, 2025, after 12 days in captivity. Details regarding the conditions of his release, including whether a ransom was paid, remain undisclosed.
His abduction and subsequent release have reignited discussions about the pervasive insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the rise in kidnappings targeting both prominent figures and ordinary citizens. This incident underscores the urgent need for co
The incident comes at a politically sensitive time, as Nigeria’s political parties begin preparations for the next round of elections at state and national levels. Security has consistently ranked among Nigerians’ top concerns, and the abduction of a key youth leader in Afenifere – an organization with deep historical roots in Yoruba political mobilization – could amplify calls for regional security strategies, including the strengthening of outfits like Amotekun, the South-West security network.
The Ransom Economy
Although no official confirmation has been given, ransom payments have become a tragic norm in Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis. Families, organizations, and even state actors are often forced into difficult negotiations with criminal gangs who operate with near-impunity. In many cases, kidnappings are no longer purely political acts but part of an expanding economy of crime fueled by unemployment, weak policing, and porous borders.
The South-West’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s relatively safer regions has taken a hit in recent years, as incidents of highway robbery, kidnappings, and herder-farmer conflicts escalate. Analysts point to the economic implications as well – deteriorating security discourages investments in agriculture, tourism, and rural infrastructure development.
Who is Eniola Ojajuni?
Ojajuni, a Lagos-born politician and activist, has long been involved in advocacy for youth inclusion in governance and the protection of Yoruba cultural and political interests. Before his emergence as Afenifere’s Youth Leader, Ojajuni had built a reputation as a vocal advocate for regional economic empowerment, often speaking on platforms championing entrepreneurship and community-driven development in South-West Nigeria.
His work with Afenifere positioned him at the forefront of campaigns calling for restructuring and greater regional autonomy, making him a well-known figure not just in political circles but among grassroots youth groups.
The abduction and eventual release of Eniola Ojajuni is not just another crime story; it is a stark reminder of how insecurity threatens Nigeria’s socio-political fabric. It raises broader questions about governance, the state’s monopoly on violence, and the fragile contract between citizens and the institutions meant to protect them.
