By Milcah Tanimu

Concerns are mounting over the persistence of mass abductions in Nigeria, as recent incidents highlight ongoing security challenges. Last week, 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State, while en route to a conference in Enugu State. Fortunately, they have been rescued, with authorities reporting that no ransom was paid.

This abduction adds to a troubling trend that has persisted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The infamous Chibok girls’ kidnapping in 2014 was one of the first major instances of such mass abductions, followed by the Dapchi girls. Despite promises from President Tinubu to address “terrorism and general insecurity,” banditry and kidnapping for ransom remain prevalent.

Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, mass abductions, particularly targeting schools, became a significant issue. The current administration faces criticism for failing to curb this trend effectively.

In November 2023, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, introduced the Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell in an attempt to tackle the growing insecurity. However, recent reports from DAILY POST reveal ongoing major abductions:

– 287 Pupils in Kuriga
On March 7, 2024, a criminal gang kidnapped 287 pupils from a government secondary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State. The abductors demanded a ransom of N1 billion. While the government claims no ransom was paid, concerns persist about the conditions of the pupils’ release.

– 24 Students from the University of Gusau
In September 2023, bandits abducted 24 students and staff from the Federal University of Gusau. The captives were held for over seven months before being released. Details on whether a ransom was paid remain unclear.

– 61 People in Kajuru
Following the Kuriga abduction, 87 individuals were taken by gunmen in Kajuru. The attack mirrored the Kuriga incident, suggesting a strategic pattern by the bandits. The exact circumstances of the captives’ release are unknown.

– 17 Students in Gidan Bakuso
On March 9, 2024, 15 children from an Islamic school in Sokoto and 17 students from a boarding school in Gidan Bakuso were kidnapped. The fate of these students post-abduction remains uncertain.

– Eight Individuals in Ekiti
In January 2024, gunmen abducted five pupils, three teachers, and a driver from Apostolic Faith School in Ekiti State. After six days in captivity, they were released, and some suspects were later arrested by the police.

As the nation grapples with these alarming incidents, the government’s capacity to effectively address the scourge of mass abductions remains under scrutiny.