BREAKING: Declare State Of Emergency In Southwest Afenifere Youths Tells Tinubu

• Afenifere Youths demand state of Emergency
• Ondo State among worst-hit areas, with kidnappers turning forests into hideouts.
• AYC proposes urgent military action and security reforms in the Southwest.

The Afenifere National Youth Council (AYC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the Southwest following the alarming rise in kidnappings and killings in the region.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the council, through its president, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Ondo State.

Ojajuni, who was kidnapped last month in Akunnu, Ondo State, highlighted the terrifying reality of rampant abductions, stating that criminal elements now operate with impunity, terrorizing innocent residents.

‘Southwest Under Siege’

In a letter addressed to President Tinubu, Ojajuni detailed how the insecurity crisis has crippled farming activities and turned forests into hideouts for kidnappers.

“Criminal elements have turned our forests into ransom negotiation camps, while major roads, especially the Lagos-Abuja expressway, have become death traps for innocent travelers who are kidnapped daily for ransom,” he wrote.

Recalling his own ordeal, Ojajuni revealed that he was held hostage for 12 days without food or clean water and suffered gunshot wounds.

“I suffered AK-47 gunshot wounds, bled for days, and received no medical attention. The excruciating pain I endured was inhumane. It is only by the grace of God that I survived,” he lamented.

He further spoke of the lasting trauma, adding, “I struggle with sleepless nights, live in constant fear, and experience distressing flashbacks.”

AYC’s Demands to the Federal Government

• The AYC listed several urgent measures needed to combat the crisis, including:
• A total state of emergency on insecurity in the Southwest, especially Ondo State.
• Deployment of special military operations to reclaim forests from kidnappers.
• Strengthened border security to curb the influx of criminal elements.
• Full empowerment of local security agencies, including Amotekun.
• Increased surveillance, especially around abandoned buildings.
• A thorough investigation into ransom payments.
• Mandatory town hall meetings by political office holders.
• Collaboration among Southwest governors to improve security.

Ojajuni noted that some kidnappers work with tech-savvy youths to track victims, emphasizing the need to involve youth groups in security operations.

He also disclosed that he had written to the Lagos State Governor, urging a Southwest Governors’ Forum meeting on security. However, he stressed that only strong federal intervention could ensure a swift resolution.

“I urge you to take decisive action. The level of insecurity in the Southwest has gone beyond a crisis; it is a full-blown war against innocent Nigerians,” he appealed.

The call comes amid rising concerns about insecurity across Nigeria. Naija News recalls that President Tinubu had recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to political tensions. It remains to be seen if he will extend a similar measure to the Southwest in response to AYC’s urgent plea.

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