The Kidnapping of Eniola Ojajuni: A Community’s Emotional Rollercoaster and Its Impact on Mental Health

The past two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for me, Ilaje Omuro world-wide connect, the Ojajuni’s and wife, children and many in Nigeria community. As we navigate the troubling news of kidnappings in Nigeria, our foundation has been actively providing psychological interventions to individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders, including those who have experienced kidnapping or Boko Haram abductions. While I have always been an advocate for mental health support, I never imagined I would find myself in the midst of such a personal crisis.

The nightmare began on February 17, 2025, when I learned that one of my distant cousins, Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, had been kidnapped. With a deep sense of pride in my heritage, I cherish my maiden name, Ojajuni, and my roots in Ilaje Omuro. Unfortunately, I was unaware of this tragedy at first, as our family had recently lost a beloved brother-in-law, who was laid to rest just days prior.

I did not check my group messages until February 20, 2025. As a member of the Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect group, I rely on it to stay connected to my heritage from abroad. Listening to the conversations and comforting words of my Ilaje community has always been an essential coping mechanism for me. It provides a unique way to connect with my heritage and culture, especially since I am far from home. I make it a point to check the group in the evening while I unwind after a long day.

Ironically, Eniola Ojajuni had added me to the group, and although we had never met in person, we had shared discussions about our great grandfathers, who were siblings. He was a friendly and jovial person, and I remember thinking that the news of his kidnapping must have been some sort of elaborate joke. However, that disbelief quickly turned to horror when I received a voice message from him later that day. Hearing his pleas for help, calling my name and asking me to reach out to other family members to raise funds for his ransom, shattered my heart.

As I listened to the deep conversations within the Ilaje Omuro World-wide Connect regarding financial contributions, I felt an overwhelming wave of heat wash over me. My mental energy drained as I called my husband, crying uncontrollably. He urged me to request contact information for Eniola’s wife, Mrs. Omolara Ojajuni, and to observe the group’s leadership. I reached out to Otunba Babatunde Ombone, Mr. Dapo Ojajuni and Mr. Agboola to support their efforts and for days, Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect group  worked tirelessly until Eniola was finally released on March 1st  2025.

During this challenging time, I struggled to gather the courage to write or create videos seeking support from the larger Nigerian community. The panic was palpable among the members of Ilaje Omuro World-wide Connect as we collectively mobilised to do everything possible to secure Eniola’s safe return. I couldn’t help but think of how his wife and children must have felt, engulfed in fear and uncertainty. The entire Ojajuni family was paralysed with anxiety, unable to articulate their distress.

For those who have faced similar situations, you understand how deeply such incidents can affect an entire community. The threat of violence and the very real fear that comes with it create a climate of panic. Videos circulated showing Eniola being threatened and injured, which only heightened our community’s anxiety.

The trauma of watching the videos of his injuries from gunshot wounds, combined with the fact that he has always been my number one cheerleader—reading my articles and calling to praise me as ‘Omojajune, brain and beauty’—has left me feeling mentally and emotionally drained. Hearing the fear, sadness, and confusion in his wife’s voice, along with the pain she expressed, has deeply distressed me.

This experience has highlighted the urgent need for mental health support in the face of trauma. It is crucial that we support one another during challenging times and work towards creating a safer environment for our loved ones. Stay tuned for part two, where we will explore navigating kidnapping cases as a community, the effects of trauma on mental health, and ways to cope and heal together. We will also discuss the contributions of Ilaje Omuro Worldwide Connect and highlight the importance of community involvement in overcoming challenges and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.