Kidnap victim tasks govt. on stronger action, recounts how two got killed in two attacks on farm

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

As insecurity in Nigeria gets aggravated by kidnapping, insurgency, and other social ills, a kidnap victim,  22-year-old Ogun State-based farmer, Dumebi Enyi-Okafor, has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to step up efforts at stopping the trend.

Dumebi Enyi-Okafor, who lamented the recurring kidnapping activities “by herdsmen,” especially in the South-West region, called for concerted, collaborative efforts to combat the rising tide of insecurity, with a specific focus on curbing the surge in kidnapping.

While saying that the development had been on the increase, despite renewed efforts of the security agencies in the country, Dumebi Enyi-Okafor, narrated how he was kidnapped by bandits when his family’s farm was attacked twice.

The victim whose father is Mr. Somto Bethrand Abuadimma Okafor, while speaking with journalists, lamented that he spent eight days in captivity before his ransom money could be raised.

“My name is Dumebi Enyi-Okafor. I was the one managing our family farm in the Owode area of Ogun State.

“On Saturday, March 22, 2025, a large number of fully-armed terrorists invaded our farm around Owode. Two of our workers were killed, while I was kidnapped and taken to an unknown destination.

“I was tortured and dehumanised throughout the period.

“Despite spirited efforts made by those that escaped to solicit help, the terrorists had a field day. The kidnappers threatened that they would kill me instantly, if my family should inform the police or any security agents.

“The bandits demanded a huge amount of money as ransom for my release. It took my parents eight days to raise money to pay the terrorists for my freedom.

“It was a horrible experience. I was tortured and traumatised. This means bandits have seriously infiltrated the South-West

“But to my utmost surprise, another attack was launched again early this month at our farm; it was devastated, while my daddy narrowly escaped death.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that the Nigerian state is under siege. It is such a precarious situation that no one can vouch for their safety,” he narrated.

“I, therefore, seek more security consciousness and surveillance to nip the clandestine activities of the kidnappers in the bud,” he begged.

“The menace of kidnapping and violence is becoming alarming on a daily basis in Nigeria, which the government appears to be helpless but trying. Now, people live in fear and anguish,” he said.

Answering questions from journalists, the Enyi-Okafor said his parent also incurred additional expenses over the eventual burial of their deceased staff.