In a nation plagued by persistent panic and a pervasive sense of hopelessness, the fates of loved ones hang precariously in the hands of kidnappers. The shadow of abduction looms large over Nigeria, from the notorious Chibok girls’ incident to the alarming surge in multiple kidnap cases. The epicenter of this disturbing trend has shifted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the social media flooded with distress calls and the cry for help growing louder.
In this interesting episode of the Mic on Podcast, Mr. Ndu Nwokolo, a security expert, sheds light on the dire situation, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to confront the well-prepared kidnappers and their elusive planners. He said
“I think we are in a difficult situation. There are scavengers (people who pick things from the dustbin). These guys (kidnappers) are used as informants to act as syndicates. They are well prepared and those who are behind them are the real guys who are doing the planning. For us to deal with this, it needs a holistic approach.”
He also raises concerns about the potential ramifications for Abuja’s safety, highlighting that if the capital city of the nation becomes unsafe, it might jeopardize the presence of the diplomatic community. “The topography of Abuja is not working to our own benefit. If Abuja becomes that unsafe, it might affect the presence of a diplomatic community in the town. This town is becoming unsafe by the day.”
However, Nwokolo grimly suggests the necessity of remaining vigilant until the situation improves, underscoring the urgent need for collective action, “People should make efforts to guard themselves. Let’s sleep with one eye closed until things improve.”
Meanwhile, amidst the darkness, the voices of those who have tasted freedom share a firsthand account of their traumatic experiences of their abduction, detailing the initial shock, relentless beatings, and the haunting uncertainty of being taken to an unknown destination.
These firsthand accounts offer a stark reminder of the human toll and the urgent imperative to address the escalating crisis of kidnapping in Nigeria.
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