Kidnappers have seized Abuja, Nigeria’s capital sending residents into a frenzy and seeking self-help as the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu looks on unperturbed.
Nigerians are no longer guaranteed the safety of their lives and property and in some instances, they have had to crowdfund to pay ransom to marauding gunmen who abduct people at will.
Even worse, is that President Tinubu, the nation’s chief security officer and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and service chiefs have treated the menace as a priority.
Abuja used to be regarded as one of the safest places in the north of Nigeria but in recent weeks it has become the den of kidnappers, many of whom operate freely.
Tinubu’s recent media statements on addressing this kidnapping menace have had no positive outcome, as kidnappers take turns by the day with phone calls and social media posts in demand for crazy ransom.
Chronicle NG spoke to residents of Abuja on what they think about kidnappers taking over their city and how many have resulted in self-help.
Yusuf Yarima called for capital punishment as deterrence for kidnapping. “The punishment for banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping must be the death sentence. Nigeria is already overpopulated for the government to be dragging its feet on this decisive action. If caught engaging in kidnapping or banditry, the consequence should be straightforward death.”
Also, Bashir Ahmad, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, said, “Please advocate for a national law that mandates capital punishment as a penalty for kidnapping and banditry.”
Sean Klean frowned at the crowdfunding for kidnappers’ ransom. “As long as you all are crowdfunding, kidnapping will never stop. The only people who can stop kidnappers are the security personnel of this country. You can crowdfund for all you like. Immediately after you pay the first ransom, be prepared to crowdfund another one for another victim.
He added, “That’s the mentality of a kidnapper. They are not humans, never satisfied!”
Also, Ikenna Nzimora said that crowdfunding on X to pay ransom for kidnapped victims is dangerous. You people are sending a signal that kidnapping will be rewarded no matter what. Don’t do it.”
Usman Shamaki urged the government “As a responsible government, there are things you should never allow to happen more than once. Your response should be so overwhelming the first time it occurs that no one will ever think of doing it. Yet our government sat back and watched as kidnapping became an industry.”
Kidnappings that shook Abuja
Northern Man wrote, Dear Residents, this event happened yesterday (Wednesday) night around 10.30 p.m. “I made a miraculous escape from kidnappers yesterday with a bullet wound just outside my estate at Lugbe en route Penthouse and Elsalem Estate around 10:00 pm! I was blocked by their car in my lane but courageously reversed and then drove through them while being shot at. The bullet penetrated the door behind the driver’s and got me on my left bum.”
He added, “Let’s exercise extra caution and avoid late-night movement, please! These deadly guys are all over the city. May God continue to protect us. Amen!
Deji Adesogan disclosed on Thursday that “around 8 p.m. tonight, Mr. Suleiman Sabo was kidnapped at Sabon Lugbe, Airport Road in Abuja. The armed criminals reportedly came with a golf car, shot him and his tyres, and kidnapped him.”
He added, “This is the victim’s car in Jedo mass housing estate, Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja. We hope for his release or rescue from the kidnapper’s den”.
Sadiq Toungo attests to Adesogan’s disclosure: “It is true. It happened along the access road to Jedo Estate from the airport expressway as his wife was with him, but she narrowly escaped.”
“The kidnappers are residents of Abuja. They will hide him in Abuja. Perhaps, in a posh location and building, no one will think of searching. Some big men are sponsoring these, Idris Abdul Ahmed alleged.”
Abu Jabir expressed sadness that the level of insecurity, especially the kidnapping of innocent souls within city centres, is very alarming. There is hardly a day that passes by without one being inundated with the sad news of a missing person. May Allah rectify our affairs and guide our leaders right.”
Shehu Sadiq alleged that politicians are into kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria. Know this and know peace.
Government reactions to kidnapping
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, FPRO spokesperson, said on Friday that the “traditional rulers and community leaders are hereby urged to work with the police and other security agencies in making sure we decimate criminals and armed bandits in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The IGP has called on all and sundry to join hands with security agencies at all levels to protect our communities and our dear country.”
Chronicle NG reports that Abuja commuters in Banex, Dutse, Bwari, Lugbe, Airport Road, and Gwagwalada disclosed that they are always double-minded about the safe vehicles to board due to the kidnapping trend.
