By Emmanuel Kwada
A chilling video circulating widely online has thrust the abduction of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, into the national spotlight. The footage, released by his captors, shows the youth leader pleading for his life at gunpoint, urging Nigerians to donate whatever they can to meet the kidnappers’ staggering ₦100 million ransom demand—or face execution.
The video, which emerged late last week, captures a visibly distressed Ojajuni, speaking under duress with a gun held to his head. “My fellow Nigerians, please help me,” he says, his voice trembling. “Your ₦100,000, ₦50,000, ₦1,000,000 will go a long way.”
The kidnappers, whose faces remain unseen, interrupted his plea, reiterating their ultimatum: pay the full ₦100 million or Ojajuni will be killed. This follows reports of a 48-hour deadline issued earlier, intensifying fears for his safety as time ticks down.
The youth leader pleading for his life at gunpoint, urging Nigerians to donate whatever they can to meet the kidnappers’ staggering ₦100 million ransom demand—or face execution
Ojajuni was abducted on Monday, February 17, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, in a violent encounter that left him with a gunshot wound to the buttock. The Afenifere National Youths Council confirmed the kidnapping in a statement last week, expressing deep concern for their leader’s well-being and appealing to the federal government and security agencies for swift action. The group’s National Secretary, Abiodun Aderohunmu, noted that the kidnappers had made contact shortly after the abduction, setting the exorbitant ransom as their condition for his release.
The video has sparked outrage and desperation across Nigeria, with the hashtag #SaveEniola trending on social media platforms.
Ojajuni’s family has publicly pleaded for help, releasing a bank account belonging to his wife, Omolara Ojajuni, for donations. “No amount is too small to rescue Eniola,” a family statement read, echoing the youth leader’s own words in the video. Nigerians from all walks of life have responded, with some pledging small contributions, though the sheer scale of the ransom—equivalent to roughly $60,000 USD—remains a daunting challenge for a grassroots crowdfunding effort.
Ojajuni’s fate hangs in the balance, his desperate appeal reverberating through a nation grappling with fear, anger, and a desperate hope for his survival
The Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Worldwide has joined the chorus, condemning the abduction as “an act of lawlessness” and calling for Ojajuni’s immediate release. “Prince Ojajuni is a committed leader who has dedicated his life to the progress of Yoruba youths and the Nigerian nation,” their statement read, amplifying the sense of loss felt by his supporters.
Security analysts point to this incident as the latest in a wave of high-profile kidnappings plaguing Nigeria, underscoring the country’s ongoing struggle with insecurity. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has yet to provide an official update, leaving many to question the government’s capacity to respond effectively.
As the video continues to spread, it has ignited a national conversation about collective responsibility, the value of a life, and the limits of public goodwill in the face of such brazen criminality. For now, Ojajuni’s fate hangs in the balance, his desperate appeal reverberating through a nation grappling with fear, anger, and a desperate hope for his survival. With the clock ticking, Nigerians wait anxiously for a resolution—whether through ransom, rescue, or tragedy.
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