Residents of Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, are gripped by fear amid a growing wave of kidnappings that has left communities traumatized and security agencies scrambling for solutions.
One victim, speaking anonymously, recounted being abducted at gunpoint outside his home around 8:50 p.m. and forced to trek for over 11 hours into the bush. He was severely beaten and released only after his family paid a ransom of several million naira. “My family had to borrow money just to save my life,” he said tearfully.
Another abductee described his captors as organized and well-informed, with alleged informants embedded within the community. He was held near Doma Barracks until ransom was paid. “Nigeria is in serious trouble,” he lamented.
Hotspots identified by residents include Lafia North, Shabu, Polytechnic and College of Agriculture areas, Danka, Tudun Kauri, Tudun Amba, and Kwandere. A resident of Shabu, Mr. Justus Adelabu, blamed the rise in kidnappings on an influx of unknown individuals, revealing that even a police officer was recently kidnapped and killed in the College area.
Residents are urging authorities to intensify patrols, profile commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, and dismantle suspected kidnapping networks.
