Afenifere Raises Alarm Over Rising Terror Attacks, Says Kidnappers Demand Drugs, Virgins as Ransom

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised fresh concerns over the increasing wave of terrorism and kidnappings across the South-West, alleging that some criminal groups now demand drugs, alcohol and even virgins as ransom for abducted victims.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group condemned the escalating insecurity in the region and urged both federal and state governments to intensify efforts to restore safety.

Ajayi said the Yoruba people were deeply worried about the growing attacks on communities, churches, police stations and highways across several states in the region.

He cited incidents in Ondo State involving attacks on homes and worship centres, while communities in Kwara State were reportedly sacked by armed groups. He also highlighted the killing of farmers and attacks on travellers along the Igbeti–Kisi road in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

According to the group, kidnappings in Ekiti State have also taken a disturbing turn, with victims allegedly killed while their corpses were held for ransom.

Ajayi described the demands made by some kidnappers as shocking, noting that abductors once demanded ₦1.5 million, Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as ICE, and cartons of canned beer for the release of a corpse in their custody.

He further claimed that the criminals also requested that virgins be brought in exchange for the release of four abducted men.

The Afenifere spokesman said homes, once regarded as safe spaces, are no longer secure, citing an incident in Akure, Ondo State, where a man was shot while trying to stop attackers from abducting his wife.

Ajayi also referenced other cases across the country, including the abduction of the father of a former deputy governor in Ebonyi State while on his way to church, and the kidnapping of a family of five in Erinmope-Ekiti.

He further noted reports of bandits allegedly moving from house to house in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, robbing and abducting residents.

The statement added that similar attacks had been recorded in several states including Kwara State, Plateau State, Benue State, Borno State, Kebbi State, Nasarawa State, Niger State, Katsina State and Kaduna State.

Ajayi emphasised that bandits are not invincible and called for a comprehensive strategy to dismantle their operations.

He urged authorities to track and prosecute sponsors of terrorism, block funding channels, cut off the supply of weapons and strengthen intelligence operations to flush criminals out of their hideouts.

The group also stressed the need to address corruption and sabotage within security agencies while ensuring adequate motivation for security personnel to effectively tackle the growing security threats.