The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria, alleging that some kidnappers and bandits now demand disturbing items such as virgins, hard drugs, and cash during ransom negotiations.
The group made the claim while reacting to the growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes across several states, warning that criminal elements appear to be becoming more brazen and emboldened.
According to Afenifere, reports from affected communities indicate that some kidnappers are no longer satisfied with monetary ransom alone but now place bizarre and immoral conditions on the families of their victims before agreeing to release them.
A spokesperson for the organization said some victims’ families have been forced into difficult and humiliating negotiations with kidnappers who allegedly demand items including virgins, cocaine, and other hard drugs in addition to large sums of money.
The group described the development as alarming and a sign that insecurity in the country has deteriorated to a dangerous level.
Afenifere therefore called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and security agencies to urgently intensify efforts to curb kidnapping and banditry, particularly in rural communities where residents remain vulnerable to attacks.
The organization warned that if urgent steps are not taken, criminal gangs could become even more emboldened, further threatening the safety of citizens.
Nigeria has in recent years faced a surge in kidnapping for ransom, bandit attacks, and other forms of violent crime in several regions of the country. Armed groups frequently target travelers, farmers, students, and residents of remote communities, demanding large payments from families before releasing their victims.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the growing profitability of kidnapping is encouraging more criminal groups to adopt the tactic, worsening the country’s security challenges.
Afenifere urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security presence in vulnerable areas, and ensure that perpetrators of kidnapping and related crimes are arrested and prosecuted.
The group also called for greater cooperation between security agencies and local communities in order to tackle the rising threat of banditry and protect innocent Nigerians.
