In a chilling repetition of an alarming trend, the recent abduction of over 23 residents in Dei-Dei town, situated off the Kubwa-Zuba Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reignited concerns about the escalating wave of mass kidnappings in Abuja.
This unfortunate incident unfolded in three housing estates in the area, bringing to the fore the disconcerting reality that kidnappings, often orchestrated by individuals donning military uniforms, persist despite official denials from the police.
The details of this incident, reported with vivid clarity, underscore the urgency of addressing the pervasive insecurity that has gripped the nation’s capital.
Residents recounted a distressing ordeal, painting a stark picture of the ruthlessness of the kidnappers. While the police, through the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, promptly dismissed the incident, asserting, “This is not true, disregard please,” the testimonies from those directly affected tell a different story.
Abuja, a city known for its status as the political and administrative hub of Nigeria, is grappling with a rising tide of kidnappings that seemingly know no bounds.
The unfortunate incident involving Barrister Chris Agidy, the senior legislative aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, highlights the severity of the situation. Shockingly, reports indicated that 12 out of the 19 victims were allegedly killed by the kidnappers, casting a shadow of fear and apprehension over the city’s residents.
Data from reliable sources reveal a disturbing pattern. The Kuje Area Council, in particular, has earned notoriety as a hotspot for kidnappings. The Nextier Violent Conflict Database documented a surge in kidnapping incidents, with two recorded in May 2023 and three in June 2023. The statistics underscore the urgency of addressing this menace as part of broader security reforms.
From January 2021 to June 30th, 2023, 40 kidnap cases were recorded in FCT Abuja, with a staggering 236 victims. These incidents translate not only into human tragedies but also substantial economic losses, with verified ransom payments amounting to ₦653.7 million between 2021 and 2022. A 2020 report by SB Morgen further revealed that Abuja ranked 11th among places with rampant abductions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to curb this menace.
It is disheartening, in our view, that Nigeria, with its rich history and potential, is marred by a negative global perception for kidnapping. Nine years after the Chibok girls’ abduction marked a turning point, the nation grapples with an unabated surge in mass kidnappings. This criminal enterprise has not only persisted but has evolved into a sophisticated and lucrative business for criminal elements.
Even legislative interventions, such as the law enacted last year imposing a minimum of 15 years in prison for ransom payment and capital punishment for cases resulting in the victims’ death, have not yielded the desired outcomes. The effectiveness of such measures remains questionable, and it underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat kidnappings.
One of the fundamental steps in this strategy should be the provision of adequate resources to security agencies, enabling them to respond more effectively to kidnap cases. Collaboration with local communities for reliable intelligence is pivotal, emphasizing the necessity of community-oriented policing. The “Rescue Me App” launched by the Nigerian police should be optimized and widely publicized, ensuring its effectiveness as a tool for public safety.
Strict punishment for kidnappers must be enforced, serving as a deterrent to potential perpetrators. The Nigerian government should intensify efforts to strengthen law enforcement agencies, preventing and responding to kidnappings. This involves increased police presence, enhanced border controls, and the establishment of security checkpoints.
However, addressing the root causes of kidnapping is equally crucial. Socioeconomic issues contribute significantly to the prevalence of this crime. Therefore, a holistic approach that addresses these underlying problems will be instrumental in reducing incidents of kidnapping. Focusing on socioeconomic development, education, and job creation will help create a more secure and stable environment, ultimately mitigating the appeal of kidnapping as a criminal enterprise.
Another fundamental issue is for security agencies to do a thorough soul searching and self assessment to weed out compromised elements within its ranks.
Reports of security personnel assisting kidnappers are becoming too common for comfort.
As Abuja grapples with this distressing reality, it is imperative that both immediate and long-term measures are implemented. The city’s residents deserve more than a semblance of security; they deserve a resolute and comprehensive response to eradicate the blight of mass kidnappings that threatens the very fabric of their daily lives.
