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Open Free AccountThe pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised serious concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s South-West region, revealing that some kidnappers and armed groups now demand disturbing items such as drugs and virgins during ransom negotiations.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group warned that insecurity in the region appears to be escalating, with criminal groups becoming increasingly bold in their attacks on communities, travellers, and farmers.
The statement was signed by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, who condemned the rising wave of kidnappings and violent assaults across several states in the South-West.
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Publish NowAccording to Ajayi, residents in many communities are living in fear as armed attackers continue to invade villages, ambush travellers on highways, and carry out kidnappings for ransom.
Rising Attacks Across South-West States
Afenifere noted that several states in the region have recently experienced violent incidents linked to bandits and kidnappers.
Ajayi specifically mentioned states such as Ondo State, Oyo State, Ekiti State, and Kwara State as areas where communities have been attacked by gunmen in recent months.
He alleged that the criminals have targeted farmers working on their lands, motorists travelling along highways, and even residents within their homes.
According to the group, the attacks have resulted in several deaths and numerous kidnappings, further worsening the climate of fear among local residents.
Disturbing Ransom Demands
Afenifere expressed particular concern about the unusual and disturbing nature of some of the ransom demands reportedly made by kidnappers.
Ajayi disclosed that in certain cases, the abductors did not only request cash but also demanded various illicit substances and other items before agreeing to release their victims.
“In one instance,” he explained, “kidnappers demanded the payment of ₦1.5 million along with Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as ICE, and cartons of canned beer before freeing their captives.”
Even more disturbing, he revealed that another group of abductors allegedly demanded virgins as part of the conditions for releasing four men they had kidnapped.
The organisation described these demands as shocking and indicative of the growing brutality and moral decline associated with criminal gangs operating in the region.
Homes No Longer Safe
Ajayi lamented that even residential areas, which were once considered safe havens, are no longer secure due to the increasing activities of armed criminals.
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He cited a recent incident in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, where a man was reportedly shot while attempting to stop kidnappers from abducting his wife outside their home.
The group said such incidents demonstrate the boldness of criminals who now attack victims even in front of their residences.
Call for Urgent Action
Afenifere urged both federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts to tackle the growing insecurity in the South-West.
The organisation stressed that failure to address the situation promptly could allow criminal groups to expand their operations further within the region.
Ajayi called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger community-based security networks, and increased deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities.
He also urged authorities to strengthen collaboration between federal security agencies and local security outfits to ensure quicker responses to attacks.
Growing Security Concerns
The warning by Afenifere highlights the increasing anxiety among residents of the South-West over rising cases of kidnapping and banditry.
Community leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger measures to protect rural communities, farmers, and travellers who are often the most vulnerable targets of criminal groups.
Observers say the latest revelations about unusual ransom demands further underscore the urgent need for coordinated security action to restore safety and public confidence across the region.
