The National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Eniola Olajuni, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in the hands of kidnappers. His release was confirmed by the National Secretary of the Youth Council, Biodun Aderohunmu, through a brief WhatsApp message on Saturday.
“He has been released,” Aderohunmu simply stated.
Olajuni was abducted on Monday, February 17, 2025, while traveling to Abuja for a meeting. His kidnapping sent shockwaves across the country, as concerns grew over the rising insecurity in Nigeria.
Kidnappers Demand N100 Million and Tricycles for Release
The abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million and two tricycles before agreeing to release him. The incident added to the growing list of high-profile kidnappings that have plagued the country in recent years.
On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the deployment of the Intelligence Response Team to secure Olajuni’s release. This decision came after a distressing video surfaced, showing the Afenifere Youth Leader at gunpoint, pleading for help from Nigerians to raise funds for his freedom.
Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis is Out of Control
The rate of kidnappings in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, affecting both the rich and the poor. The nation is now at a crossroads, where drastic measures must be taken to curb this growing menace. If a national youth leader can be taken hostage for nearly two weeks, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerians?
We have said it repeatedly, this kidnapping madness must stop. Nigeria needs real reforms, not just empty promises. Insecurity has become a business, and criminals are operating with little fear of consequences. The government cannot continue to play politics with people’s lives.
Until Nigeria prioritizes security and strengthens law enforcement, kidnappings will remain a profitable industry for criminals. Afenifere Youth Council President Eniola Olajuni’s release is a relief, but it also serves as yet another reminder that Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is far from over.
