Amnesty International, an international non-governmental organization (INGO) focused on human rights, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the recent surge in kidnapping incidents across the country as a national emergency.
There has been a significant increase in cases of kidnappings across Nigeria in recent weeks. For instance, on January 5, six sisters and their father were abducted from their home in Zuma 1, located in the Bwari area council of the federal capital territory (FCT). Although the father was eventually released, the girls remained captive.
Tragically, one of the girls named Nabeeha was reported to have died while in captivity.
Additionally, three other individuals who were kidnapped in different parts of the community also lost their lives while being held captive, including a 13-year-old secondary school student named Folorunsho Ariyo.
“Last week over 45 people travelling between Otukpo in Benue state and Enugu were kidnapped and nothing has been heard about them yet,” the statement reads.
“Also one of the 10 people kidnapped at an estate in Dutse near Abuja was killed over failure of her family to pay ransom.”
The statement characterizes the abductions as a widespread problem that has become a regular occurrence in society. It calls upon the president to use all legal means available to put an end to the continuous cycle of violence and fear.
“We are now facing an epidemic of kidnapping. People in Nigeria are now living on the knife edge,” the statement added.
“Widespread insecurity and the chaos it causes have been exacerbated by routine kidnapping, as armed groups tighten their stranglehold on the country. Nigerian authorities must immediately stem the tide of kidnapping now.
“Many families choose not to report cases of kidnapping after paying ransom for fear of reprisals and as a result many incidents go undocumented.
“The current epidemic of kidnapping highlights the utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to effectively protect lives.”
The INGO frowned on what it called a lack of tangible commitment by authorities to address the escalating breakdown of law and order across the country.
“Security of all people should be the priority of the government. People should not be left helplessly at the mercy of ruthless gunmen. Failure to address the security concerns urgently will grossly enable human rights abuses,” the statement added.
Amnesty International has called on authorities to respect the constitution, which requires them to safeguard lives and properties.
They have also urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate the increasing incidents of kidnapping and killings, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in a court of law.
