Wife of kidnapped Afenifere Leader Speaks About the Distress of Her Husband’s Kidnapping
Mrs. Omolara Ojajuni, the wife of Eniola Ojajuni, the National President of the Afenifere National Youth Council, shares her emotional journey after her husband was abducted while traveling to Abuja. In an exclusive interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, she opens up about the harrowing experience and its toll on her family.
Can you tell us about your profession?
I am a trained teacher and also a certified medical lab technician. I teach at the secondary school level while practicing as a lab technician.
How did you learn about your husband’s abduction, and what was your initial reaction?
On February 18, a Tuesday, I was at home feeling uneasy. I had been waiting for a call from my husband since Monday. We usually stay in touch when he’s away, and our last conversation was on Monday around 12:23 pm. At first, I wasn’t too concerned, but as the hours went by and I hadn’t heard from him, anxiety started to build. His primary phone line was off, but I noticed his secondary number on his tablet was still ringing, which made me even more worried. I didn’t get any further contact until I received a message early on Tuesday morning confirming his abduction.
Where was he headed when he left the house?
He had told me he was traveling to Abuja.
Where do you live?
We live in Ikorodu.
Did you both discuss his mode of travel before he left?
Yes, we had planned for him to fly to Abuja. But, one of his brothers, who saw him off, mentioned he decided against flying due to the cost. He left early that morning, around 5:00 am, and mentioned that if he couldn’t find an affordable flight, he might opt to drive. I advised him to fly regardless of the price, but it seems he chose to travel by road instead.
Did he travel by road in the end?
Yes. We had our last conversation at 12:23 pm on Monday, where he informed me he had reached Owo, indicating he was on the road. I was at a seminar that day, so I couldn’t speak to him further. By the time I checked my phone later, there were no updates from him. His last seen on WhatsApp was 12:05 pm, which was unlike him since he’s usually very active on social media. My worry increased as his phone calls went unanswered, and it was switched off by 4 pm. I eventually remembered his tablet number, which was still ringing. It continued ringing until the following day, but I couldn’t reach him.
How has this situation affected you and your children emotionally?
Words can’t describe the pain I feel. We were always in close communication, and his absence has left a huge void. Not knowing where he is or how he’s doing, especially since he wasn’t well before he left, is devastating. My children are also deeply affected, especially my son, who keeps asking when his father will come home. It breaks my heart to see them in distress, and I can’t imagine life without my husband.
Did your husband ever express concerns about security before his trip?
No, he didn’t voice any specific worries. However, he had a strong aversion to traveling by road. That’s why it was hard for me to understand why he chose to drive instead of flying. The night before his trip, he mentioned a sense of dread, as though something was warning him not to travel, but despite my pleas for him to stay home, he decided to go anyway.
Have the kidnappers contacted you or your family?
Yes, they called on Tuesday, and hearing my husband’s voice after so many hours of uncertainty was overwhelming. He was speaking Yoruba, and I could hear other voices in the background. He sounded like he was lying on the ground. It was a relief, but also deeply distressing.
What exactly did he say when he left?
He didn’t mention the exact purpose of his trip, but he had communicated earlier that he was traveling to Abuja.
What are the police doing to help?
We’ve been in regular communication with the authorities, but the situation remains tense.
Do you feel that the government is doing enough to address the rising security concerns in the country?
No, I don’t believe enough is being done. Road travel, particularly to Abuja through Kogi State, is becoming increasingly dangerous. There have been many fatalities and kidnappings along that route. The government needs to act decisively to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Have the kidnappers set a ransom demand?
Yes, they’ve requested N100 million. There have been ongoing negotiations, but they are firm on this amount.
Has any organization or individual offered financial help?
Yes, some are assisting, but more needs to be done to ensure his safe return.
What is your message to the Nigerian public and to the Afenifere Youth Council?
I urge everyone to stand by us and offer support in any way possible. We need help. I need my husband back. I am young and need him in my life for the sake of our children. Please, I beg for his safe return.
How would you describe your husband?
He is an amazing father, husband, and leader. His family comes first, and he is willing to sacrifice anything for their well-being. He’s truly the best.
Do you think his role as the President of the Afenifere Youth Council had any bearing on his kidnapping?
I don’t believe his position had anything to do with this abduction. He is a
