Nigeria Faces Crisis: 2,140 Kidnappings Reported In Seven Months

Nigeria Faces Crisis: 2,140 Kidnappings Reported In Seven Months

Between January and July 2024, at least 2,140 people were kidnapped across 24 states in Nigeria, according to findings by SUNDAY PUNCH. The data, compiled from reports in The PUNCH, The Guardian, The Nation, and Vanguard, reveals a troubling surge in abductions….. CONTINUE READING

During this period, 62 victims, or about 2.89% of the total, had their families pay a collective ransom of N389 million to secure their release. Kidnapping incidents were reported as follows: 193 in January, 101 in February, 543 in March, 112 in April, 977 in May, 97 in June, and 117 in July.

The worst-affected states included Zamfara (667 victims), Kaduna (454), and Niger (252). Notable incidents included the abduction of 85 travelers along the Kaduna-Abuja highway and the kidnapping of 280 students and teachers from schools in Kuriga, Kaduna State.

In May, bandits abducted over 500 individuals in Zamfara and killed five in 50 villages. The rise in kidnappings contrasts with recent statements by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who claimed a reduction in crime rates due to police strategies.

Ransom payments between January and July included N25 million for a hotelier in Port Harcourt, N60 million for the release of six sisters in Abuja, and $50,000 (N79.8 million) for Major General Richard Duru in Imo State.

The situation remains dire, with recent reports indicating continued abductions, including 21 medical and dental students in Benue State.

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