Nigeria's Kidnapping Crisis: An Urgent National Emergency Requiring Leader's Meeting In Abuja, Demanding Same Urgent Attention As Covid-19
As President Bola Tinubu leads discussions on economic matters with governors and leaders in Lagos, the specter of kidnapping casts a dark shadow over Nigeria's progress. As the nation grapples with this menacing reality, it becomes increasingly evident that addressing kidnapping requires a level of urgency akin to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a chilling incident that underscores the growing threats faced by journalists in Nigeria, Channels TV reporter Joshua Rogers was abducted from his residence in Rumuosi, Port Harcourt, on Thursday night.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has swiftly responded, calling for his immediate release and urging government and security agencies to prioritize his safe return. These incidents are not isolated occurrences but symptomatic of a broader crisis that threatens the very foundation of Nigerian society. As economic matters take center stage, it's paramount to acknowledge the equal urgency in addressing the scourge of kidnapping. President Tinubu's call for unity and collaboration towards economic goals must extend to combating kidnapping. Just as gatherings discuss economic resurgence, they must also strategize against abduction.
The consequences of Nigeria's "Kidnapping Republic" perception are grave and extensive. Foreign investment wanes amidst heightened security risks, hindering economic growth and job opportunities. Personal safety becomes a luxury, fear pervading daily life as families suffer and communities’ fracture under the weight of violence.
Public safety deteriorates, impeding vital infrastructure projects and exacerbating socio-economic disparities. Healthcare access falters as facilities and workers become targets, jeopardizing lives and exacerbating maternal and child health risks.
In this urgent moment, leaders must recognize the profound impact of kidnapping on Nigeria's future. It's not just an economic or security issue; it's a threat to the very fabric of society. Urgent action is needed to safeguard the nation's prosperity, safety, and well-being.
Businesses falter under the weight of insecurity, unable to thrive in an environment plagued by uncertainty and risk. Investor confidence plummets, leading to capital flight and economic stagnation. Tourism, once a vibrant sector, withers as travelers shun destinations plagued by insecurity. The social fabric of the nation frays, with trust eroded and divisions deepened by the pervasive sense of insecurity.
Indifference to the plight of kidnapping victims and the pervasive insecurity gripping Nigeria must stop. Every life lost or shattered by abduction is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for action. The indifference of some leaders and elites, shielded by layers of security, only exacerbates the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. It's time for all leaders to prioritize the safety and security of their fellow citizens above all else.
Nigeria cannot confront this crisis alone. International cooperation and support are crucial in tackling transnational criminal networks involved in kidnapping. Collaborative efforts in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and financial sanctions can disrupt these illicit operations and stem the flow of ransom payments that fuel further abductions.
Rebuilding trust and confidence in Nigeria's security apparatus and governance structures is paramount. Transparency, accountability, and swift justice for victims are essential in restoring faith in the state's ability to protect its citizens and foreign visitors. Investments in education, job creation, and community empowerment can address underlying grievances and diminish the allure of criminality.
To combat the perception of being a "Kidnapping Republic," Nigeria must address the root causes fueling this epidemic. Socio-economic disparities, porous security infrastructure, and systemic corruption contribute to the proliferation of kidnapping networks. Comprehensive reforms are needed to strengthen law enforcement, enhance intelligence gathering, and prosecute perpetrators effectively.
Rebuilding trust and confidence in Nigeria's security apparatus and governance structures is paramount. Transparency, accountability, and swift justice for victims are essential in restoring faith in the state's ability to protect its citizens and foreign visitors. Investments in education, job creation, and community empowerment can address underlying grievances and diminish the allure of criminality.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Nigeria's public leaders have been criticized for their perceived lack of urgency in addressing the "Kidnapping Republic" perception. This criticism is fueled by the stark contrast between the security measures enjoyed by public leaders and the insecurity faced by ordinary citizens. Many public officials and elites benefit from 24-hour security details for themselves and their families, both in their private and public lives. This stark contrast highlights the disconnect between the ruling class and the everyday realities of Nigerians, further eroding trust in government institutions.
The gathering of governors and leaders from across political divides demonstrates the potential for bipartisan cooperation and shared commitment to national progress. It's crucial that this spirit of unity and collaboration extends to addressing the urgent security challenges facing the nation.
By prioritizing the issue of kidnapping and working together to implement effective strategies, Nigeria can overcome this crisis and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens. The time for action is now, and it's essential that leaders at all levels come together to confront this pressing issue with the same determination and unity demonstrated in pursuing economic development goals.
However, there's a grim irony in the situation: what if public officials, including the President, governors, ministers, legislators, senators, military, and law enforcement chiefs, or their family members, possibly become victims of abduction? This chilling possibility could trigger a seismic shift in response. Suddenly, the deep-rooted issues underlying the kidnapping crisis would be thrust into the glaring spotlight, forcing the nation to confront it as a dire and all-encompassing national emergency. The very fabric of society would tremble under the weight of this newfound reality, as the nation grapples with the harrowing realization that no one, not even those in positions of power, is safe from the pervasive grip of insecurity and lawlessness.
The abduction of a high-profile official or their kin could indeed serve as a wake-up call, compelling the political elite to confront the grim realities faced by ordinary citizens on a daily basis. However, I hope such an event never occurs. Nonetheless, if it were to happen, it would underscore the urgency of implementing comprehensive reforms to address insecurity, improve governance, and tackle the root causes of criminality. Such incidents could compel leaders to reassess their priorities, allocate resources more effectively, and collaborate with stakeholders to devise lasting solutions.
The time for complacency is over. Nigeria's leaders must awaken to the gravity of the situation and treat kidnapping as the existential threat it truly is. Just as the nation rallied together in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it must now muster a similar level of urgency, resources, and resolve to combat the scourge of kidnapping.
In essence, the personal experiences of those in power could catalyze meaningful change, propelling the nation towards a future where safety, security, and prosperity are accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their social status. It's a sobering reminder that no one is immune to the scourge of kidnapping, and decisive action is needed to safeguard the nation's future.
The future prosperity and stability of Nigeria depend not only on economic growth but also on ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. Just as the Vice-President Kashim Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic resurgence during the Lagos meeting, it's essential to channel the same optimism and determination towards eradicating kidnapping and restoring peace and security nationwide.
Prof. John Egbeazien Oshodi
Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. [email protected]