On Monday, Nigerians expressed their frustration on social media, directing criticism towards the Federal Government and security forces in response to the reported kidnappings and killings of residents in the Federal Capital Territory. Reports indicated that the kidnappers had allegedly killed three victims and increased the ransom demand to N700 million.
Among the reported victims was a secondary school student, Miss Folorunsho Ariyo, the daughter of the Ekiti state-born chief legal officer of the National University Commission. The remains of four victims were discovered near a former military checkpoint in Kaduna State.
Earlier, this year, GOLDENNEWSNG had reported an attack in Bwari, Abuja, where two policemen were injured, and seven family members were abducted, with one killed. Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, his five children, and the daughter of his late brother were among those abducted. Al-Kadriyar was released with an order to pay ₦60 million as ransom, while one of his daughters, Nabeeha, was killed, and the ransom for the remaining five girls was raised to ₦100 million.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, assured that the police were handling the situation, but details could not be disclosed for security reasons.
The Nigeria Police Force pledged to rescue the kidnapped sisters and cousins in Bwari, with the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stating that a comprehensive plan of action was in place. Adejobi emphasized the need for confidentiality to avoid compromising ongoing operations and assured the public that efforts were focused on bringing the perpetrators to justice and rescuing the remaining victims in captivity.
In response to the reported kidnappings, killings, and escalating insecurity in Nigeria, Nigerians expressed their concerns on social media.
Users criticized the boldness of bandits and kidnappers, particularly in light of unconfirmed reports suggesting an increase in ransom demands from the initial N60 million per person to N100 million, now totaling N700 million after the alleged killing of some victims.
Some social media users highlighted the apparent lack of government action and condemned the involvement of individuals, such as a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, in raising part of the ransom demanded by bandits to release the sisters of a slain victim.
Criticism extended to the perceived failure of the government to address the security situation adequately. Some users emphasized the need for a strong government response, expressing concerns that paying such high ransoms could further empower and embolden kidnappers.
The frustration and disappointment expressed on social media reflect the broader sentiment among Nigerians regarding the challenges of insecurity and the urgency for effective measures to protect citizens and address the root causes of criminal activities.