Nigeria: Public outrage grows as kidnapping epidemic worsens
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The rising insecurity and kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria has sparked public outrage and calls for action from various stakeholders.
The Federal Government has been advised by the Supreme Council for Sharia, South-South governors, affected communities, and the National Association of Nigeria Students to take tough measures against kidnappers. Abductions, which were previously limited to the North-West, have now spread to other parts of the country, including Lagos, Ogun, Delta states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The South-South governors have also urged the Federal Government to do more in managing security in the country. The National Association of Nigerian Students has called for a state of emergency to be declared on the security situation, particularly in the Northern region. Other experts and analysts have emphasized the need for political will, integrated security architecture in local governments, and the declaration of a state of emergency on the Nigerian security architecture to effectively tackle the insecurity menace. Communities in Taraba State and other parts of the country have resorted to hiring local vigilantes and hunters for protection against kidnappers and bandits, while hundreds of abductees are being held by bandits in Zamfara, Niger, and Delta states.
The Federal Government has been urged to set up a security trust fund to support security operatives and assist in purchasing equipment for intelligence gathering. Overall, there is a growing demand for stronger actions and measures to address the escalating security crisis and protect the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
