Kidnapping and Criminality Along Itobe–Ofu: How Long Will Our People Live in Fear? -By Adama Mutari

There is growing concern over the increasing rate of kidnapping and other criminal activities along the Itobe–Ofu axis of Kogi State. What should be a peaceful environment for residents, traders, farmers and travellers is gradually becoming a source of fear and uncertainty.

Today, many people no longer feel safe carrying out their daily activities. Traders are becoming afraid to travel to markets, travellers are increasingly worried about using the roads, and farmers are also facing insecurity in places where they should be able to work and provide food for their families.

The situation becomes even more disturbing when criminal activities occur in broad daylight and on major roads where citizens should be able to move freely. Reports and concerns about attacks, kidnapping, theft and the invasion of people’s homes have created an atmosphere of fear among communities.

The question I want to ask is: Is this how we are going to continue living in our fatherland—in fear and uncertainty, where human life appears to have little value to notorious criminals?

Our people are already struggling with the rising cost of living and other economic challenges. Adding insecurity to these difficulties makes life even harder for ordinary citizens. When people are afraid to travel, farm, trade or sleep peacefully in their homes, the consequences affect not only individuals but the entire community and economy.

Security is not a luxury. It is a fundamental responsibility of government and a basic right of every citizen. People deserve to travel without fear, conduct their businesses peacefully, cultivate their farms and return safely to their families.

This is therefore a call to the relevant authorities, security agencies, traditional leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to take the security situation along the Itobe–Ofu axis seriously. There is an urgent need for stronger security measures, effective intelligence gathering, regular patrols and swift action against those responsible for kidnapping and other criminal activities.

We must not allow fear to become our normal way of life.

I am writing this column to draw attention to the challenges currently facing our communities in Kogi State. We need a rescue. We need security. We need our fundamental rights. We need freedom of movement. Above all, we need the opportunity to live in peace, safety and harmony in our own fatherland.

The people deserve better, and the time to act is now.