The recent report by the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA) that no fewer than 55,910 Nigerians were killed, 21,000 abducted by terror groups operating in different parts of the country in the past four years is worrisome. The report which covered a period of four years from October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2023, added that 11,000 incidents of extreme violence took place during the period.
The report indicated that mass killings, abductions and torture of whole families were largely unchallenged. “In the North-Central zone alone, 3,007 incidents of extreme violence occurred. About 2,010 incidents involved killings, 700 were abduction incidents, and 297 were a combination of killings and abductions,” the report stated.
The figure, though conservative, is horrifying. It underscores the ravaging impact of insecurity in the country and the need to tackle the menace before it gets out of control. Viewed from the social and economic dimensions, insecurity has taken much toll on Nigerians and livelihoods.
President Bola Tinubu had raised the alarm that the Federal Government’s target of a $1 trillion economy could be in jeopardy due to rising insecurity. Tinubu’s remarks coincided with terrorists killing of at least 17 people and kidnap of 58 others in three communities in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. It was also a day suspected Boko Haram members killed a pastor of the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN) in Kwari, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State. Same day, a different gang of bandits struck in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and abducted seven members of a family and killed a policeman.
Between July 2023 and June 2024, at least 1,056 Nigerians were killed in kidnap-related attacks while their abductors demanded N10.9 billion, according to reports by SBM Intelligence. Similarly, not less than 7,568 people were kidnapped across the country within the same period.
The trend has not subsided but has rather been on the rise. Last month, about 20 medical and dental students, along with a House Officer, who were on their way to attend the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu were ambushed and abducted by gunmen in Benue State. Fortunately, the police and other security agencies rose to the challenge and rescued them a week later. Within the same period, Anambra State Branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) directed its members to withdraw their services in all private and public hospitals in the state, following the kidnap of their colleague, Stephen Ezeh, who was abducted on August 15.
At the national level, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on warning strike, to push for the release of its kidnapped member, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who had been in captivity for over 8 months.
Insecurity has become a present danger to Nigeria and its economy, affecting the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Unfortunately, more than 15 multinational firms had relocated from Nigeria in the last three years, according to data from the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
Therefore, the ORFA report, therefore calls for the need by the government to b is a wake-up call on the government to wage a relentless way against insecurity. The growing insecurity is a threat to the corporate existence of the country. The figure released by the organisation is large enough to nudge the government into action. It is apparent that kidnappers and other criminals have taken over some parts of the country and even levy taxes on hapless citizens. Some Nigerians no longer visit their homes during festivals.
The security agencies need to change their strategies in containing the criminals. There is need for enhanced intelligence gathering and sharing among them. Apart from kinetic measures, government should adopt other measures to fight insecurity. Let the affected communities be involved in the exercise.
The government should provide the necessary equipment, including drones to the security agencies. Network providers should liaise with security agencies to track the criminals and arrest them forthwith. Besides, the triggers of insecurity must be squarely addressed too. Hunger, poverty, and unemployment must be tackled head on. This is really the time to prioritise the security of life and property. Without addressing insecurity, the government will not attract local and foreign investors.