Afenifere has raised alarm over worsening insecurity in south-west Nigeria, alleging that kidnappers now demand cash, drugs and even virgins as ransom while calling for urgent action and the creation of state police.
Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has condemned the growing wave of terrorist and bandit attacks across south-west Nigeria, warning that insecurity is rapidly worsening in the region. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group said kidnappers have become increasingly brutal, demanding unusual ransom items including cash, drugs, beer and even virgins for the release of abducted victims.
“The greatest demonstration of the heartlessness of these evil-doers was their demands of N1.5 million, Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as ICE, and cartons of canned beer for the release of a corpse in their captivity.”
“The kidnappers even hilariously asked for virgins to be brought in exchange for four men that they had previously abducted,” Ajayi said.
He added: “Until recently, the home environment was considered a ‘safe haven’. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. A couple was attacked in front of their home in Akure, Ondo State, with the husband shot while trying to prevent his wife from being abducted.”
The group cited attacks and kidnappings in several states including Ondo State, Oyo State, Ekiti State and Kwara State, where victims have reportedly been killed or held for ransom. Afenifere urged the government to intensify efforts to dismantle bandit networks, track their sponsors and expedite the establishment of state police, commending Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Tunji Disu for steps towards strengthening security.
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