Tinubu told to declare state of emergency in South-west states including Lagos

The Afenifere National Youth Council (AYC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly declare a state of emergency in the South-West region in response to the escalating incidents of kidnappings and murders. In a correspondence addressed to the President, Afenifere’s leader, Prince Eniola Ojajuni, recounted his own harrowing experience as a kidnapping victim in Ondo State, where criminal groups have transformed forests into sites for ransom negotiations and major highways into perilous areas for travelers. Ojajuni, who endured 12 days in captivity, emphasized that the situation has deteriorated to a critical level, instilling a growing sense of fear and lawlessness among the local populace.

He recommended several immediate measures to address the crisis.

1. Declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the South-West.

2. Deploy a military operation to reclaim forests from kidnappers.

3. Strengthen border security to prevent criminal infiltrations.

4. Empower local security agencies, including Amotekun.

5. Investigate ransom payments and their destinations.

6. Increase security surveillance in Lagos and Ondo States.

7. Engage youth associations in the fight against insecurity.

8. Strengthen collaboration between Southwest Governors on security.

Ojajuni emphasized that the crisis has escalated beyond a mere security issue into a full-scale war against innocent citizens.

He urged President Tinubu to act swiftly and decisively to restore peace and security in the region.