Mass abductions in Nigeria have become a serious concern, with the latest case involving 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos. These students were kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State, while on their way to a conference in Enugu State. Thankfully, they were rescued, and the government claimed that no ransom was paid.
Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one. Mass abductions have been on the rise, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who took office in 2023. Despite his promises to tackle terrorism and insecurity, kidnapping for ransom, especially in the North-West, remains rampant.
The issue of mass abductions in Nigeria is not new. It first gained global attention in 2014 with the kidnapping of the Chibok girls, followed by the abduction of the Dapchi girls. Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, schools became common targets for kidnappers, with several cases of mass abductions reported.
In response to this growing threat, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, launched the Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell in November last year, urging security agencies to step up their efforts. However, mass abductions continue to plague the country.
Some of the major incidents in recent months include the abduction of 287 students from a government secondary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, in March 2024. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion, and while the government insists on a no-ransom policy, questions remain about how the students were freed after two weeks.
In September 2023, bandits kidnapped 24 students and staff from the Federal University of Gusau. These victims spent over seven months in captivity before their release, with no clear indication if a ransom was paid.
Another attack occurred in Kajuru, Kaduna State, shortly after the Kuriga abduction. Gunmen took 87 people captive, and although some were later released, it’s unclear if any ransom was involved.
In March 2024, 15 children were abducted from an Islamic school in Sokoto, and 17 students were kidnapped from a boarding school in Gidan Bakuso, Sokoto State. Earlier in January, gunmen also abducted five students, three teachers, and a driver from Apostolic Faith School in Ekiti State. They were held for six days before being released, with some suspects later arrested.
These recurring incidents highlight the government’s struggle to effectively address the issue of mass abductions. As the problem persists, there is growing anxiety about the safety of students and citizens across Nigeria.
