Date: March 7, 2026 l Reporter: Mensah
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has raised alarm over the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s South-West, revealing that some kidnappers and bandits have begun demanding virgins and hard drugs during ransom negotiations.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group condemned the rising wave of kidnappings, killings, and attacks across several communities in the region. Afenifere warned that the brutality of criminal gangs has reached disturbing levels as their ransom demands grow increasingly bizarre and inhumane.
Ajayi explained that in some kidnapping cases, bandits demanded ₦1.5 million, Indian hemp, cocaine, a synthetic drug known as “ICE,” and cartons of canned beer before releasing victims.
He further disclosed that in another incident, the kidnappers requested virgins in exchange for the release of four abducted men, describing the demand as shocking and barbaric.
The organisation noted that attacks have been reported across several states including Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara, where gunmen have targeted communities, travellers, farmers, and homes. According to the group, the growing insecurity has created fear among residents who no longer feel safe even inside their homes.
Ajayi cited a recent case in Akure, Ondo State, where a man was reportedly shot while trying to prevent kidnappers from abducting his wife outside their home. He also mentioned incidents in Ekiti State, where entire families were abducted from their houses in the evening.
The Afenifere spokesman warned that the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous as criminal groups continue to expand their activities across different parts of Nigeria. He said similar attacks have also been reported in states such as Plateau, Benue, Borno, Kebbi, Niger, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Kaduna.
The group called on the Federal Government and South-West governors to intensify security operations, dismantle bandit hideouts, and strengthen surveillance of forests and rural communities where kidnappers often operate.
Afenifere also renewed its call for the establishment of state police, arguing that stronger local security structures are necessary to tackle the growing threat of banditry and terrorism across the country.
The organisation stressed that criminals involved in kidnapping and terrorism are neither invincible nor beyond defeat, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those sponsoring the armed groups while cutting off their sources of funding and weapons.