The National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Eniola Olajuni, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in the custody of kidnappers. Olajuni confirmed his release in a short video posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“I have been released,” he said in the clip while being driven in a car. “I was released in Ibilo, Edo State. I was released this evening.”
Olajuni was abducted on Monday, February 17, 2025, while traveling to Abuja for a meeting. His kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million and two tricycles for his release.
Following his abduction, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to ensure Olajuni’s safe return. Prior to this, a distressing video had surfaced online showing the Afenifere Youth leader at gunpoint, pleading for Nigerians to come to his aid and raise the required ransom.
It remains unclear whether Olajuni was rescued by security forces or if a ransom was paid to secure his freedom. However, his release brings relief to his family, supporters, and the broader Afenifere community, who had been calling for urgent action to ensure his safe return.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding his release, but the incident underscores the growing concerns over insecurity and the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria.
