It’s distressing when my children ask about their father – Wife of abducted Afenifere leader

Mrs Omolara Ojajuni, wife of the National President of the Afenifere National Youth Council, Eniola Ojajuni, who was kidnapped on his way to Abuja, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, detailing the distressing experience and its impact on their family

What do you do for a living?

I’m a professional teacher. I teach secondary school students, and I am also a medical lab technician.

How did you receive the news of your husband’s abduction, and what was your immediate reaction?

I was at home on the 18th of February, which was a Tuesday. That morning, I was feeling worried because I had been expecting his call since Monday. My husband always updates me whenever he is travelling. The last conversation I had with him was on Monday around 12:23 pm.

I wasn’t initially worried, but as time passed and I didn’t hear from him, I started to feel uneasy.

His main phone line was off, but his second line, which was on his tablet, kept ringing. That made me anxious because if his main line was off, he should have been able to use the second line to reach me. I remained worried all through the night until the next morning when I received a message about his abduction around 9 am on Tuesday.

Before he left the house, where did he tell you he was going?

He told me he was going to Abuja.

Where does he stay?

We live in Ikorodu.

When he was leaving in the morning, did you both discuss how he would travel?

Yes, we agreed that he should take a flight. That was our agreement. Later, one of his younger brothers, who saw him off to the gate, told me he had decided against the flight because it was too expensive.

He left the house very early, before 5:00 am. He later told me that if he couldn’t find a cheaper flight, he might travel by road. I advised him to take a flight regardless, as he could afford it.

So, did he eventually take a flight?

No, he didn’t. The last conversation we had at 12:23 pm on Monday confirmed that he had already reached Owo. That means he travelled by road. I was attending a seminar at work that day, so I couldn’t talk to him. After the seminar, I checked my phone, expecting messages from him about his arrival in Abuja or details about his hotel, but there was nothing. The last conversation remained at 12:23 pm. I also noticed that some messages sent at that time had been deleted. I don’t know what they contained.

I checked his last seen status on WhatsApp, and it was 12:05 pm. That was unusual because he is a very active social media user. That made me even more worried. At around 4 pm, I called him. The first time, the phone rang, but he didn’t pick up. The second time, it was busy. The third time, it was switched off. At that point, I knew something was wrong.

I didn’t even think of calling his other line at first. I just grabbed my bag and rushed home while still calling his main line, but it remained switched off. Then I remembered his tablet’s number. When I called it, it kept ringing. It rang until the next day and even continued ringing afterward.

Can you describe the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on you and your family?

I can’t even begin to describe it; we were so used to each other. He always kept me informed about his whereabouts, even when he was travelling. Not hearing from him for days, not seeing him, knowing he wasn’t feeling well before he left, and now imagining him in pain, it’s unbearable.

Looking at my children’s faces as they ask about their father and when he will return is heartbreaking. Before he left, he and my son were playing and talking. Now, my son keeps asking, ‘Where is Daddy?’ I can’t afford to lose my husband. He has health issues. I know he’s in pain.

Before his abduction, did he mention any security concerns or issues with anyone?

No, he didn’t. He just had a deep fear of travelling by road. That’s why I couldn’t understand why he chose to go by road. Even before he left, he told me that his instincts were telling him not to go on Sunday (he travelled on Monday). He kept hearing a voice telling him not to travel. When he told me that, I immediately asked him to stay back, but for some reason, he still went ahead with the journey on Monday.

Why did he change his mind?

I don’t know. He’s a very spiritual person. Even on Monday morning, his body language showed he was hesitant. That morning, after our devotion, I anointed his feet as he requested and we prayed together.

Have the kidnappers made any direct contact with you or the family?

They called on Tuesday morning and again at night; it was my husband’s voice I heard. I was so overwhelmed hearing his voice after many hours of worry. He was speaking Yoruba, and I could hear voices in the background. I could tell he was lying on the ground.

On the day he told you he was travelling, did he tell you exactly what he was going for?

It was a meeting, a business trip.

What is the police saying?

We call and communicate from time to time.

Do you feel the government is doing enough to address security issues, especially in Nigeria?

No, I don’t think they have done enough. They should do better because people are always scared. Travelling by road to Abuja is now dangerous, especially through Kogi State. The boundary between Ondo State and Kogi State, even up to Abuja, is a nightmare.

Many lives have been lost. A lot of people have been kidnapped, and many have been killed on that same road. What is going on? The government needs to do better. Please, they should do better.

The kidnappers are demanding N100m; has there been any negotiation on the ransom amount?

There was a negotiation, but they insisted that’s the amount they wanted.

Have there been any offers of financial support from individuals or organisations?

At least they are working.

What message do you have for Nigerians, especially the Afenifere Youth Council and its associates?

I want everyone to stand up, to stand firm, and please, come to our aid. Please help us in any way possible. I need my husband alive. I need him to father my children. I need him. I’m a young woman; I need my husband, please.

How would you describe your husband as a person, a father, and a leader?

He is the best; the best father, the best husband. His family is his number one priority. He can sacrifice anything, even himself, for his family.

Do you think his position as the Afenifere Youth Council president played a role in his abduction?

No, I don’t think so.

Do you trust the authorities to ensure his safe return, or do you feel they need to do more?

I think they can do more, especially since they are tracking but haven’t been able to pinpoint the actual location. They need to do better.

How are you personally coping with the uncertainty and pressure of this situation?

It’s not easy on me; it is not easy at all. It’s only God. I see Him as the author and finisher of my faith. He is the only one I’m calling on, the only one I have at this moment. Emotionally, I am not fine. I’m just trying to be strong for my children.

Once he is released, what measures do you think should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future?

I don’t know what to say. But I believe that for such trips, good security in Nigeria is essential.

What kind of help do you need now?

We need help for the funds to be raised and for him to come back alive. If any of the security agencies can step up and take action, it will be my joy. If they can bring these criminals to justice, that would be a relief.

At least, if they can start tackling these acts, there will be peace in the country. We shouldn’t have to live in fear; I want my husband back alive.

What have you been telling your children about their dad?

They are so young, and I keep telling them Daddy travelled and he will soon come back. My mind is not at rest, including that of his family. It is a sad situation for us, and it has not been easy.