At the mere mention of names like Evans, Wadume etc, it gives one the shivers because, these names are epitomes of kidnapping in Nigeria. Kidnapping refers to the crime of seizing, confining, abducting, or carrying away a person by force or fraud, often to subject him or her to involuntary servitude in an attempt to demand a ransom. Ransom in this sense may not necessarily be in monetary terms. It may be in exchange for something else.

Kidnapping is no longer a new form of crime in Nigeria but it has risen to be a well-organized and very lucrative crime perpetuated by dare-devils. Kidnapping is a trade that is difficult for the operators to quit. This trade is like child trafficking. It is a multimillion criminal industry in the world especially in Nigeria. This criminal business is the fourth most lucrative commerce in Nigeria after oil bunkering, prostitution and child trafficking (NAPTIP, 2019). The kidnappers go as far as even killing their victims sometimes even if the ransom has been paid!

WHY KIDNAPPERS KIDNAP
1. Unemployment/Joblessness: An idle man they say, is the devil’s workshop. Moreover, without any source of income, kidnapping amongst other crime comes to mind.
2. Greed: The insatiable desire to be wealthy at all cost motivates the kidnapper to venture into this act.
3. Poor Security Network: A kidnapper only kidnaps when his strategy supersedes that of the security network in that environment.
4. Personal Vendetta/Avenger: Most kidnappers are on a revenge mission or to avenge for friend or relative so as to settle a score.
5. Political/Spiritual Protection: Most of the kidnappers that were eventually ‘kidnapped’ by the police often speak of their sponsors, godfathers or spiritual protection which aids them to ‘flourish’ in their business and evade the law (at least temporarily!)

I will conclude by saying that, kidnappers see it as a business that can never be abolished by any government in Nigeria. This is because, the government of Nigeria is yet to take a bold step to find a lasting panacea to this barbaric act. Once the government comes with a stiff action against the kidnappers and if the issues highlighted above can be dealt with decisively from its roots, the issue of kidnapping will be an issue of the past in Nigeria.

Watch out for my next article on ‘HOW TO AVOID BEING ON A KIDNAPPER’S LIST OF TARGETS’

Your Friend,

Xpanciated Emmy

They kidnap because society accepts money made from evil enterprise.

As you all excuse fraud, you imply wealth without a known source or vocation is acceptable and even encouraged.

This pervades the only environment.

In the same token, a telecoms agent can dispense SIM cards without proper registration of individuals.

Members of the police force and even the military would provide cover for kidnappers, provide logistics, and as we have witnessed recently, provide escape, all for pecuniary benefit.

kidnapping in action.
Say No to Crime and corruption in Naija!!!