Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, describing it as a daily occurrence that has left citizens living in constant fear. The human rights organization highlighted the pervasive nature of kidnapping by armed groups, stating that it has become a regular feature of life in Nigeria, contributing to widespread insecurity and chaos.
According to Amnesty International, the exact number of Nigerians held captive by armed groups and kidnappers is unknown, but the organization decried the shocking abuses suffered by victims, including torture, rape, and starvation at the hands of their captors. The organization particularly highlighted the plight of abducted women and girls, including school children, who have been subjected to vicious sexual assaults while in captivity.
The statement from Amnesty International comes amid reports of several kidnapping incidents in the country. In response, Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in addressing the issue. He cited the assurance from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egetokun, that the authorities are working tirelessly to combat kidnapping across Nigeria. However, he suggested that further insights could be obtained from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Recent high-profile kidnapping cases, such as the abduction of Najeebat and her sisters in Bwari Local Government Council of the Federal Capital Territory, have drawn widespread attention. Tragically, Najeebat was killed while her father was attempting to raise the ransom demanded by the kidnappers. In another incident, former minister Isa Pantami revealed that a friend had donated N50 million towards the N60 million ransom demanded for the release of the Najeebat sisters.
Amnesty International’s statement underscores the urgent need for decisive action to address the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, which has had devastating consequences for victims and their families.
Peoples Gazette