Edo State is a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal gangs, who operate with impunity, taking advantage of the deteriorating security situation
It has been suggested that Edo State is the epicenter of kidnappings and violent crimes in Nigeria following the release of Prince Eniola Olajuni, the kidnapped National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, after 12 days in captivity at Ibilo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
IREPORT247NEW reported that Eniola Ojajuni, the head of the Afenifere Youth Council, was kidnapped by assailants who remain unknown. According to a statement issued by Abiodun Aderohunmu, the national secretary of the council, the incident took place on Monday, February 17. Aderohunmu said that the kidnappers are requesting a ransom of N100 million.
A video circulated online depicted Ojajuni trembling while a suspected kidnapper brandished a firearm at his face. In a tremulous voice, Ojajuni solicited financial aid from the public to facilitate his release. He said, “Nigerians, please help me, Your donation, N100,000, N50,000, or N1,000,000 can go a long way in saving my life. “My name is Prince Eniola Ojajuni. God bless you. Aderohunmu, please help me spread this video.”
With this description in hand, Chris Nehikhare, Edo Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the accusation that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor, Monday Okpebholo, was not responding to the issue in the way that the citizens had hoped.
Chris Stated, “Edo State is a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal gangs, who operate with impunity, taking advantage of the deteriorating security situation, as residents and business owners continue to live in constant fear.
“Weekend’s release of the abducted National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Prince Eniola Olajuni, after spending 12 days in captivity in Ibilo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, highlights how emboldened criminal elements have become in our dear Edo State, while the Okpebholo administration appears dazed.”
The circumstances surrounding Olajuni’s release, including whether a ransom was paid, remain unclear. However, the fact that he is now safe and sound is a testament to the efforts of the security agencies and the resilience of the Afenifere Youth Council.