By Our Correspondent
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised serious concerns over the worsening insecurity in South-West Nigeria, alleging that terrorists and kidnappers now demand unusual ransoms including drugs and virgins for the release of victims.
The group warned that the situation reflects the increasing brutality and desperation of criminal gangs operating across the region.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the organisation condemned the rising wave of attacks on communities, travellers, and homes, stressing that the frequency of violent incidents has become alarming.
According to Afenifere, several states in the South-West are experiencing near-daily cases of kidnappings, killings, and armed attacks.
Ajayi revealed that abductors are increasingly making bizarre ransom demands.
In one incident, kidnappers reportedly requested N1.5 million, Indian hemp, cocaine, the synthetic drug ICE, and cartons of canned beer before agreeing to release a corpse in their custody.
In another disturbing case, the criminals allegedly demanded virgins in exchange for the freedom of four abducted men, highlighting the level of cruelty and lawlessness fueling Nigeria’s security crisis.
The group also cited multiple attacks across the region, including assaults on churches, police stations, homes, and highways in Ondo State.
Communities in Kwara State were reportedly overrun by armed gangs, while farmers were killed and travellers attacked along the Igbeti-Kisi road in Oyo State.
In Ekiti State, several kidnapping incidents reportedly ended with victims killed and their bodies held for ransom.
Afenifere warned that even residential areas are no longer safe.
The organisation referenced a recent attack in Akure where a man was shot while trying to prevent kidnappers from abducting his wife outside their home.
Beyond the South-West, the group noted that similar security challenges have been recorded in Plateau, Benue, Borno, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Katsina, and Kaduna states.
Calling for urgent action, Afenifere urged the Federal Government and state authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
The organisation stressed the importance of tracking sponsors of banditry, cutting off funding sources, raiding criminal hideouts, and tackling corruption within the security system.
Afenifere also reiterated its support for the creation of state police, urging lawmakers to fast-track constitutional amendments to enable states strengthen local security operations.
