The rising tide of kidnapping and terrorism has left Nigerians living in constant fear and uncertainty.
Students, parents, and market women have continued to express frustration over the government’s failure to protect them from the escalating violence and terrorism across the country
kidnappings have become a grim reality across Nigeria, particularly in the volatile north and parts of the east.
This year alone, on March 3rd, 112 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were abducted from their camp in Gamboru Ngala, Borno State, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by these criminal groups.
In August 2024 alone, over 30 kidnapping cases were reported alongside the brutal killings of farmers and village heads by unidentified gunmen.
Benue State has borne a heavy toll, with over 2,650 people losing their lives in community attacks over the past 14 months.
Just last week, a horrific incident occurred in the Ayati community of Ukum Local Government Area, where bandits terrorizing the state for a decade murdered approximately 50 people.
Another devastating tragedy struck the Gobir community as gunmen executed their kidnapped traditional leader.
Alhaji Isa Bawa, the emir of Gobir in Sokoto state, was murdered by his captors on Wednesday after ransom negotiations failed to yield a timely payment.
The 73-year-old emir and his son were abducted in July while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni, close to the Niger border. The abductors reportedly demanded a substantial sum for their release.
Among the recently kidnapped in the Northern part of the country are 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State, and 8 Nysc students in Sokoto State.
While effort are made to eradicate kidnapping and terrorism, the Nigerian Police, Enugu State Command, recently announced the arrest of a total of 123 suspected criminals in various parts of the state, while 19 kidnap victims were rescued between July and August.
On Saturday, a group of women under the eagles of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) recently linked the country’s insecurity challenges to poor education policies, widespread poverty, and a lack of empowerment.
In a significant development, amidst growing calls for federal government intervention, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has resigned his appointment.
According to The Matrix, Abubakar confirmed to journalists that he submitted his letter of resignation to President Bola Tinubu on Saturday at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, which was accepted and approved.
Asked to give reasons for his resignation, Abubakar stated:
“There are quite a number of reasons one will do that, some personal family issues, but nothing very serious, actually, and the friendship will continue. I discussed with Mr. President, he understood very well.”
However, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, has emphasized the importance of collaboration with relevant agencies in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Musa made this statement on Saturday in Abuja during his address at the 48th Annual National Conference of the Muslim Elders Association of Nigeria.
The Convention had the theme: “Making Living Worthwhile For All: Islamic Solutions to Economic and Security Challenges”.
Represented by Maj. Gen. Shuab Bashir, the CDS Musa further said that security was everybody’s business.
He urged Nigerians to provide the necessary information that would aid security officials’ operations.
”Security is everybody’s business; everyone must be involved. It should not be left to the security agencies alone. People must give us useful information,” he said.
While corroborating the position of the CDS Musa, the representative of the Police Commissioner in the FCT, Mr Uba Alkali, said that effective security required the collective efforts of all citizens.
‘Security is everyone’s responsibility. I urge you all to work with the Police to serve humanity,” he said.
A University professor, Yisa Yusuf, has urged women in Nigeria to learn martial arts or self-defense skills to improve their personal safety.
Professor Yusuf of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, made this statement at the opening ceremony of the 39th Annual National Conference of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) held in Akure, Ondo State.
According to him “it would not be out of place, wherever possible, for women to acquire martial arts or self-defence skills.
” Women who have the means and the need for them could also procure licensed arms.
“Collaborative enlightenment or consciousness-raising programmes could also be established and ran with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Close attention also needs to be paid to the opportunities for economic security which can come from government initiatives.
Twenty Nigerian medical students who were kidnapped on their way to a conference in Benue State on August 15 have been released. Gunmen seized the students and later demanded a ransom.
“We confirm the release on Friday of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity in Ntunkon forest, Benue State,” said Nigerian police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Saturday.
