Residents of Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, are living in fear over escalating cases of kidnapping in the city.
Criminal gangs have been targeting homes, abducting victims at gunpoint and demanding millions of naira in ransom payments.
One recent victim, speaking anonymously to reporters, recounted a terrifying experience of being kidnapped just outside his residence.
“I was about to enter my house when some young men ordered me to stop. At gunpoint, they picked me up around 8:50 p.m., and we trekked for more than 11 hours,” he said.
According to him, the kidnappers, suspected to be armed Fulani youths based on their language, subjected him to brutal treatment and issued death threats if he reported the incident to authorities. He was released only after his family managed to raise a hefty ransom.
“I don’t know what I did wrong to deserve such agony and near-death experience. My family had to borrow money just to save my life,” he said amid tears.
Another abductee, also kidnapped within Lafia town, described a well-coordinated and well-informed network of criminals.
“They have informants and a strong network. They kept me in a place close to Doma Barracks until the ransom was paid. Nigeria is in serious trouble,” he said.
Areas most affected by the recent spike in abductions include Lafia North, Polytechnic and College of Agriculture areas, Shabu, Danka, Tudun Kauri, Tudun Amba and Kwandere.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention by security agencies, including increased patrols, profiling of commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators, and the dismantling of known kidnap networks.
Mr. Justus Adelabu, a resident of Shabu, linked the rise in insecurity to an influx of unfamiliar individuals in the area.
“Recently, even a police officer was kidnapped and killed in the College area,” he said.
Despite ongoing security deployments in Nasarawa State, locals say the kidnappers continue to operate with alarming boldness.
