Shocking Statistics: 2,140 Nigerians Abducted in 7 Months Amid Rising Kidnapping trend
Between January and July 2024, reports indicate that 2,140 individuals were kidnapped across 24 Nigerian states. This data was gathered through a meticulous review of kidnapping reports from four major Nigerian newspapers: The PUNCH, The Guardian, The Nation, and Vanguard.
The study revealed that 62 families, accounting for 2.89% of the total abductees, paid a combined ransom of N389 million to secure their loved ones’ release from captors. The breakdown of kidnappings by month shows 193 in January, 101 in February, 543 in March, 112 in April, 977 in May, 97 in June, and 117 in July.
Regions severely affected include Zamfara with 667 victims, Kaduna with 454, Niger with 252, Abuja/FCT with 183, Borno with 121, Katsina with 117, Kogi with 60, and Ogun with 47. Other states like Delta, Nasarawa, Oyo, Benue, Rivers, Ondo, Sokoto, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Taraba, and Edo also reported varying numbers of kidnappings.
Notable incidents include the abduction of 85 travelers along the Kaduna-Abuja highway in early January and the kidnapping of 60 wedding guests in Katsina on February 1. March saw the dramatic kidnapping of 280 students and teachers in Kaduna, as well as an additional 87 people in a separate attack. In April, 30 children were taken in Katsina, while May witnessed over 500 kidnappings and significant violence in Zamfara. June saw the kidnapping of 20 travelers on the Maiduguri-Kano Highway.
Despite a recent statement by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, claiming a decline in crime rates, the surge in kidnappings contradicts this assertion. Egbetokun attributed reductions in other crimes to police strategies.
N389 Million Ransom Paid
From January to July, families of 62 kidnapped victims paid a total of N389 million in ransom. Noteworthy payments include N25 million in January for a Port Harcourt hotelier, N60 million for the release of Ali Pantami’s family members, N5.4 million in February for an Anambra governorship candidate’s wife, and substantial ransoms in May and June for various individuals, including N79.8 million for a retired military officer and N40 million for kidnapped students.
August’s Alarming Surge
In August, the crisis worsened with more abductions reported. In Benue State, 21 students and a house officer were taken while en route to a convention. The Commissioner for Youths Development in Anambra State and his wife were also kidnapped, and gunmen took eight wedding guests in Amakor village.
Police Efforts and Challenges
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, claimed a reduction in kidnappings due to new strategies and technology. However, security experts argue that more comprehensive measures are needed. Debo Adeniran of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership criticized the unfulfilled promise of increased recruitment into security agencies. Dr. Kabir Adamu of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited stressed the need for improved public protection and punitive measures. Olalekan Jackson-Ojo of the International Institute of Professional Security highlighted issues with information leaks within security forces and called for better technological tracking.
The situation underscores the urgent need for effective strategies and enhanced security measures to combat the escalating kidnapping crisis in Nigeria.
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