Pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s South-West, alleging that some kidnappers and terrorists are now making disturbing demands during ransom negotiations.
In a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group said residents across the region are increasingly worried about the growing number of attacks, abductions and violent crimes in several communities.
Ajayi noted that gunmen have reportedly been targeting travellers, farmers, homes and even places of worship in recent months.
He cited incidents across states including Ondo State, Oyo State, Ekiti State and Kwara State where armed attackers allegedly killed residents and abducted victims for ransom.
According to him, the nature of some ransom demands highlights the brutality of the kidnappers. In certain cases, Ajayi claimed the criminals demanded ₦1.5 million alongside substances such as Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as ICE, and cartons of canned beer before agreeing to release captives.
He also alleged that in one reported incident, abductors demanded virgins in exchange for the release of four kidnapped men.
Ajayi lamented that many homes that were once considered safe havens are no longer secure. He recalled a recent incident in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, where a man was reportedly shot while attempting to prevent gunmen from abducting his wife outside their residence.
He also referred to cases in Ekiti State where entire families were kidnapped from their homes, as well as reports of criminals moving from house to house in Kubwa, Abuja, robbing and abducting residents.
The Afenifere spokesman further pointed out that similar attacks have been recorded in other parts of the country including Plateau State, Benue State, Borno State, Kebbi State, Nasarawa State, Niger State, Katsina State and Kaduna State.
Despite the growing threat, Ajayi said the problem could still be tackled with decisive action. He urged authorities to identify and prosecute sponsors of banditry, cut off their funding sources and dismantle their operational bases.
The group also renewed its long-standing call for the creation of state police and urged South-West governors to intensify monitoring of forests and rural communities often used as hideouts by criminal groups.
Afenifere added that stronger collaboration between federal and state governments would be crucial in addressing the rising wave of terrorism and kidnapping across Nigeria.