Insecurity In Nigeria: Delta State -By Olumaro Eyituoyo Beulah

Delta State has had its bitter fair share of kidnapping, ranging from kidnap of politicians, highly placed individuals, travellers and even local community members struggling to feed.

Kidnapping has become one of the major security challenges facing many parts of Nigeria, Delta State is not left out. Several cases of abduction of students, farmers, travellers, businessmen, and ordinary citizen.

Before we delve further what is kidnapping?

According to Oxford Dictionary: kidnapping can be define as taking someone unaware against their will, usually by force, fraud, or deception and holding them somewhere without permission.

According to me in my own understanding: kidnapping is an unlawful act of taking a person away by force and holding them against their will, usually in exchange for ransom or other demands. In Delta State kidnapping has become increasingly common along highways, rural communities and even urban areas, roads such as the Warri-Sapele road and forest areas around Ughelli, Issele-Uku and Ubulu-Okiti have witnessed several reported incidents.

According to Asuquo (2009): Defines kidnapping in criminal law as the taking away of a person by force, threat, or deceit, with the intent to cause the individual to be detained against their will.

There are so many causes of kidnapping in Delta State. One major cause is unemployment. Many youth are unemployed, since they are unable to find jobs, they turn criminal activities as a way of making quick money.

Poverty is another factor, many people are poor and economic hardship pushes some individuals into illegal activities. Greed and the desire to make money quickly have also contributed to the rise in kidnapping cases. In addition weak security in rural communities may increase the rate of kidnapping.

The effect of kidnapping is damaging to society. First it creates fear and insecurity among the citizens. People are afraid to travel at night in isolated environment. Business activities are affected because investors may avoid places where the security is not strong enough. Families of kidnapped victims often face emotional trauma and financial hardship because kidnappers usually demand huge ransom payments. In some cases victims lose their lives during captivity or rescue operations.

Kidnapping also affects education and community development. Parents become more sacred to send their children to school because of the insecurity in the State. The government should spend more money on security than development projects.

The government and security agencies have made efforts to recover weapons used by criminal groups. In places like Ughelli and Issele-Uku. Community vigilante should also support the security agencies so that they can curb kidnapping together. The Delta State police commander have carried out several security leading to the arrest of kidnapping syndicates and rescue the victims.

Victims of kidnap and their traumatic experiences?

My mom was a victim of this evil kidnappers, about three years ago precisely April 4th 2023, on her way from a business trip from Onitsha whilst they experienced terrible traffic, they finally arrived at Ughelli axis close to a police checkpoint at Ekerhawhen (name of the village) their bus came to halt thinking it was the policemen on duty not knowing it was men of the underworld, they ordered everyone to come out of the bus and lie flat on the tarred road, other commuters that saw the scene started reversing speedily, they were taken into the bush and when the kidnappers heard the gunshots from the police they went further into the bush. Each of them were asked to submit their phones and start calling relatives to pay ransom they initially asked for three million, but after much negotiation the money was reduced and paid, they were released the next day.

My mom was traumatized for months at first she found it difficult to sleep without having nightmares, she loves to travel, but after the incident she developed a strong phobia for travelling, it took her almost three years before she could agree to travel that Ughelli axis and it had to be in the morning, if we the kids are traveling she is always apprehensive and will pray till we get to our destination, one of the reasons she did not allow us to seek admission in another state!!, she even stopped attending alnight vigils. According to her ‘its not an experience I would wish for her worst enemy’

A recent kidnapping incident happened along the Warri-Sapele Road in Delta State where several travellers were ambushed and taken into the bush by armed kidnappers. Security forces later rescued some victims.

The victims was extremely sacred after being surrounded by armed men. The victims have constant fear of being killed if ransom not paid. The victims find it difficult to sleep after rescue. The victims was forced to trek long distances in forests without food or water. The victims were physical exhaustion and weakness.

Reports from the Nigeria Police Force show that about 18 kidnapped victims were rescued during operations in Delta State, while many kidnapping suspects were arrested.

The survivors had anxiety and panic whenever they remember the event. The victims was sacred of travelling alone or passing lonely roads again. The survivors had emotional shock from hearing threats from kidnappers. The survivors had loss of trust in public safety.

How can the government curb kidnapping in Delta State?

In conclusion, kidnapping in Delta State is overwhelming that threatens peace, development and the safety of citizens. Although the government and security agencies are trying their best to put an end in this crime, more needs to be done. Through collective effort from the government, communities, and individuals. Delta State can be one of the safe state and more secure for everyone. Reducing kidnapping in Delta State requires cooperation between the government, security agencies, communities and citizens. When previous measures are taken seriously, peace and safety can improve across the state.

Individuals can help in curbing kidnapping by being security conscious, Report suspicious activities to the police. They should avoid sharing sensitive information publicly. They should also support community vigilance groups. They should teach their children safety measures. Kidnapping can be reduced when both the government and citizens work together. The state must provide effective security and justice, while individuals must stay vigilant and support crime prevention efforts. A combined effort can make communties safer for everyone.