The Afenifere National Youth Council (AYC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency in the South-West to combat rising kidnappings and killings.
In a letter to the President, Afenifere President, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, detailed his personal experience as a kidnapping victim in Ondo State, where criminal elements have turned forests into ransom negotiation sites and major roads into dangerous zones for travelers.
Ojajuni, who spent 12 days in captivity, stated that the situation has reached a critical point, with increasing fear and lawlessness among residents. He proposed several measures for immediate action:
1. Declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the South-West.
2. Deploy a military operation to reclaim forests from kidnappers.
3. Strengthen border security to prevent criminal infiltrations.
4. Empower local security agencies, including Amotekun.
5. Investigate ransom payments and their destinations.
6. Increase security surveillance in Lagos and Ondo States.
7. Engage youth associations in the fight against insecurity.
8. Strengthen collaboration between Southwest Governors on security.
Ojajuni emphasized that the crisis has escalated beyond a mere security issue into a full-scale war against innocent citizens.
He urged President Tinubu to act swiftly and decisively to restore peace and security in the region.
