Urgent Mission to Rescue Afenifere Youth Leader as Kidnappers Demand ₦100 Million Ransom

Security Agencies Mobilized to Secure the Release of Prince Eniola Ojajuni

A major rescue operation is underway following the brazen abduction of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the National President of the Afenifere National Youth Council, who was kidnapped on February 17, 2025, while traveling from Ondo State to Abuja.

The Kidnapping: A High-Stakes Ordeal

Prince Ojajuni was seized in Akunu, a volatile border town straddling Ondo and Kogi states, by an armed gang that has since demanded a ₦100 million ransom for his release. The situation took a grim turn when the kidnappers released a chilling video showing the youth leader pleading for his life, an AK-47 barrel pressed against his chest.

In a desperate plea for survival, Prince Ojajuni can be seen urging Nigerians to contribute towards his ransom, stating:
"Nigerians, please help me! Your donations—₦100,000, ₦50,000, or ₦1,000,000—can go a long way in saving my life."

The deadline initially set for February 24, 2025, was later extended, with the kidnappers adding an unusual demand for two tricycles in addition to the ransom.

Nationwide Outcry and Calls for Urgent Intervention

The Forum of National Youth Leaders of All Political Parties in Nigeria has made an impassioned appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and security agencies, urging swift and decisive action to ensure the youth leader’s safe return.

Mayor Dele Oshinowo, the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has stepped forward with a ₦500,000 donation, demonstrating solidarity and urgency in addressing this harrowing crisis.

High-Level Police Deployment in a Race Against Time

In response to the escalating security crisis, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of a specialized rescue team, comprising:

• Operatives from the Ondo and Kogi Police Commands
• Tactical units trained in hostage rescue
• Intelligence officers from the Force Headquarters

Security forces are conducting a meticulous search operation across the dense forests along the Ondo-Kogi border, a known haven for criminal syndicates operating in the region. Authorities have urged the public to report any information that could aid in locating and securing Prince Ojajuni’s release.

Desperate Plea from the Family

Mrs. Omolara Ojajuni, wife of the kidnapped leader, has made an emotional appeal for urgent intervention. She describes the psychological toll on their family, particularly on their young children, who are anxiously awaiting their father's safe return.

To facilitate financial contributions towards the ransom, the family has provided the following donation details:

Bank: Zenith Bank
Account Name: Sunday Ojajuni
Account Number: 2420070876

Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis: A Grim Reality

The escalation of ransom-driven kidnappings underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms in Nigeria. The Federal Government has activated a toll-free emergency hotline (112) for citizens to report kidnappings and other security threats.

Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement in disrupting criminal networks.

Hope Amidst Uncertainty

As the nation watches with bated breath, security operatives are working around the clock to ensure that Prince Eniola Ojajuni is safely reunited with his family and community. The urgency of the moment cannot be overstated—every second counts in this race against time.

For further analysis and developments on this unfolding crisis, watch the latest report here:

Stay updated as this story develops.