Afenifere Youth Leader, Ojajuni, has bravely recounted the harrowing 12-day ordeal he endured after being abducted by armed kidnappers in the heart of Southwest Nigeria. Speaking for the first time since his release, Ojajuni revealed shocking details of his captivity and the growing menace of banditry in the region, including the identification of over 55 active bandit camps operating within the area.
Ojajuni, a prominent advocate for youth empowerment and regional development, was abducted on March 4, 2025, while traveling in Ogun State. During his 12 days in captivity, he was subjected to extreme physical and psychological abuse, enduring isolation, threats, and harsh conditions. He recalls a traumatic experience of being moved through various camps controlled by bandits, who frequently changed locations to avoid detection by security forces.
"Every moment was a battle for survival," Ojajuni stated. "The fear, uncertainty, and constant movement through thick forests left me in a state of despair. But it also opened my eyes to the scale of the bandit problem we face in the Southwest."
In his public statement, Ojajuni shared his eye-opening revelations about the presence of 55 bandit camps scattered across the Southwest, including in forests in Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Osun States. He emphasized that these camps, some of which are heavily fortified, have become hubs for armed criminals who terrorize local communities, disrupt businesses, and fuel insecurity in the region.
Ojajuni's exposure of the bandit camps comes amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of the Nigerian security forces in combating the escalating wave of kidnappings and violent crime in Southwest Nigeria. His testimony underscores the need for immediate action to curb the influence of bandits and restore safety to the region.
"I am fortunate to be alive today, but many others aren't so lucky," Ojajuni said. "These bandits are well-armed and organized, and their activities have crippled communities, especially in rural areas. The federal government and state authorities must take decisive action to dismantle these camps and stop the violence."
The Afenifere Youth Leader's harrowing account has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for more stringent measures to tackle the root causes of banditry, including better intelligence gathering, stronger law enforcement, and increased community engagement. Ojajuni also highlighted the need for regional cooperation between Southwest states to address the growing threat of organized crime.
"I have seen the faces of those who suffer the most from these crimes – they are our mothers, fathers, and children, who live in constant fear. It is time for us to act before it’s too late," Ojajuni urged.
Ojajuni has vowed to continue his fight for justice and safety for the people of the Southwest, and he has committed to working closely with relevant authorities, civil society organizations, and security agencies to help locate and dismantle the remaining bandit camps.