Resurgence of Kidnappings in Northern Nigeria
By Mukhtar Garba Kobi
The barbaric act of abducting people by some bad elements in Northern part of Nigeria is one of the major threats to the endearing peace and economic growth, bandits operate on roads, communities and recently in institutions of higher learning. News of abducting unspecified number of farmers in Borno and students of Federal University Dutsen-Ma have gone viral lately, bereaved families of the victims are still in shock while many resolved in withdrawing their wards from schools; this is actually bad looking at the importance of education to mankind and development of all. People in those areas are doubting the promises made by leaders on protecting lives and properties.
Nobody in this mother earth is above the law, in some developed countries even incumbent leaders are forced to face the jury and account for their mischievous deeds in offices, but unfortunately in Africa, existence of immunity attached to leaders is what give them the temerity to do as they wish. One of the bandits’ kingpin in Northern part of Nigeria Dogo Gide released an audio message which a re-known media man Bello Mu’azu shared, but the message contained has added fuel to the blazing fire of insecurity. The dreaded Dogo Gide stated that he preferred to die as bandit and has no interest in reconciling with government no matter the of money that would be given to him.
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Since most of the bandits’ hideouts are known by our gallant security forces, they (bandits) could be cleared in few days but such only end in discussions. Public figures have made excellent attempts by acting as mediators between bandits and governments, unfortunately their efforts were fruitless due to the negligence from government. There is no way fire could be put out with same fire; but combing the two (attacks and dialogue) would definitely help a lot. Moreso, engaging in dialogue would pave way for peace in most of the kidnapping ravaged States, cultivation of crops and businesses would regain their lost glories while students would learn without fear.
Furthermore, a research conducted by SBM which is an investigative firm revealed that between June of 2022 and July of 2023, three thousand six hundred and twenty (3,620) people were taken hostage in five hundred and eighty two (582) kidnap-related incidents in Nigeria. It was further uncovered that “North-West and North-Central regions exhibit higher numbers of in-kind ransom demands. This aligns with Nigeria’s poverty and its correlation with areas where food is commonly demanded. Additionally, these regions have seen a surge in motorcycle demands due to economic opportunities and possibly because of their potential use in terror activities”.
Some of the factors that fuel kidnappings include high level of poverty and hunger; waking up empty pocketed and nothing for family members to consume have forced many into the act especially unemployed Fulani herders. Second factor is greed and uncontrolled love to be rich also persuaded many into kidnappings; shallow-minded persons often times view abduction as the easiest way to get enough money to meet-up their daily needs. Kidnappers play vital roles in influencing their friends, they give uninterested friends convincing points while those low faculty of thinking accept the offer without second thought on the implications of such ventures.
Mass abduction of people can be stopped if the following measures are adopted; schemes for employing youths or training them on skills has left behind several villagers and most of the arrested kidnappers were dwellers; there is need for the villagers to be included in whatever government came-up with. Since kidnappers have leaders, there is need to have virtual or physical meeting with them in order to know why they are kidnapping, governments should ensure that their demands are met. Granting amnesty to repentant kidnappers would be a welcome idea but they should not be reintegrated back to societies, they should be taken to rehabilitation homes and train them on different skills for them to be useful members in communities.
Mukhtar writes from Bauchi and can be reached via [email protected]
