“_Fatshimetrie_: An In-Depth Investigation into the Black Areas
By John Doe
When a group of medical students from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri were abducted on August 15 by kidnappers and taken to a nearby forest by kidnappers. The captives were held until August 23, when they were released. It was not clear whether a ransom was paid for the students’ release. The incident echoes a spate of other kidnappings that have taken place across the country, highlighting the growing menace of kidnapping for ransom on our highways.
From one end of the country to the other, kidnappers operate without geographical distinction. From the South-West (Ondo) to the South-East (Imo), from the South-South (Akwa Ibom) to North Central (Kwara), North West (Zamfara) to North East (Plateau), travellers are being targeted by bandits and kidnappers who demand ransom for their release. These criminals seem to be omnipresent, jeopardising the security of citizens and fuelling a climate of fear and insecurity.
However, despite the increase in kidnapping, police authorities say they are fully mobilised to ensure the security of roads and waterways. A senior official in Tinubu’s administration recently told _Fatshimetrie_ that the phenomenon of kidnapping for ransom is on the rise, gradually replacing the activities of former robbers who have ceased their misdeeds with the advent of the cashless society. He, however, admitted that the fight against kidnapping remains a daunting challenge, requiring time and concerted efforts to eradicate the scourge.
In Benue State, which has been plagued by a series of security incidents in several localities, kidnapping has become a major challenge. VIPs, travellers and even members of the security forces have been targeted, fuelling widespread insecurity. Some areas of the state have become hotbeds of kidnapping, despite repeated promises by security authorities to bring the situation under control.
Hotspots such as Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo, as well as Makurdi-Naka and Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Orokam roads remain hotspots for kidnapping in Benue State. It was in this area that a group of 20 medical students were abducted and held hostage by armed individuals on 15 August, before being finally released on 24 August. These tragedies reveal the magnitude of the kidnapping problem in the region, highlighting the urgency of taking concrete measures to stem this menace.
Combating kidnapping and crime requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach, involving not only security forces, but also civil society and local communities. Strengthening prevention, investigation and prosecution is crucial to deterring criminals and ensuring the safety of citizens. By joining forces and remaining resolute, we can overcome these challenges and create a safer and more prosperous environment for all.”
This essay provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation of kidnapping for ransom across the country, highlighting the challenges and initiatives to ensure the safety of citizens. It stresses the importance of coordination and collective action to address this persistent threat, while calling for broader societal mobilization to combat crime and insecurity.