Nigerians Demand More from FG over Kidnapping Menace

Mary Nnah

As 2024 gradually draws to an end and Nigerians embark on end-of-the-year holiday plans, a common question is on the lips of average Nigerians planning a trip between the northern and southern parts of the country. As airfare is quite out of the reach of the common man, the question is “How do we embark on this journey without being kidnapped?” This is because traveling between the South and Northern Nigeria corridor has become so precarious that most passengers say their last prayers before embarking on such trips, as there is hardly a week without incidents of kidnapping occurring on this highway.

The spate of kidnappings on Nigerian highways has reached an alarming rate, with many calling on the federal government to take immediate action to address the security crisis. One of those calling on the government to take action is the Director-General, African Writers Centre, Amah A. Amah. Amah has condemned the rising cases of kidnapping on Nigerian highways.

He said: “The federal govern-ment must take immediate action to address this security crisis.” 

“The establishment of a Forest Guard is a crucial step in this direction. It will provide a dedicated security presence in the country’s forests and highways, helping to prevent kidnappings and other crimes.”

Amah in a statement made available to THISDAY emphasized that the government’s inability to protect lives and property has led to a breakdown of trust between the government and the people. He added: “The spate of kidnappings on Nigerian highways is a national embarrassment. It is a stark reminder of the federal government’s failure to provide security for its citizens.”

He cited the recent kidnapping of 14 passengers on a God is Good Motors bus at Obajana, Kogi State, as a clear example of the government’s failure to protect its citizens. “The kidnappers are demanding N100 million as ransom for each passenger. This is unacceptable, and the federal government must take immediate action to rescue the victims and prevent future occurrences,” he said.

Amah also called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Bill, saying: “The NFSS has proposed a strategic plan to maintain a presence in all forests, clear 10 million on both sides of expressways, and ensure 24-hour surveillance. This is a welcome development, and we urge the National Assembly to pass the NFSS Bill without delay.”

He emphasized that the NFSS Bill is a crucial step towards addressing the security challenges facing the country. “The bill will provide a legal framework for the establishment of a Forest Guard, which will help to prevent kidnappings and other crimes on Nigerian highways,” he said.

Amah urged Nigerians to demand more from their government, saying: “We must hold our government accountable for their failure to provide security for its citizens. We must demand more from our government, and we must work together to find solutions to this security crisis.”

He also emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to address the security challenges facing the country. “We must work together as a people to find solutions to this security crisis. We must support the government in its efforts to address this challenge, and we must also hold them accountable for their actions,” the DG noted.

Amah noted that the rising cases of kidnapping on Nigerian highways is a symptom of a larger problem, saying: “The root causes of kidnapping, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality, must be addressed. We must work towards creating a more equitable society, where everyone has access to opportunities and resources.”