Kidnappings, killings and a nation in distress

By RAYMOND OISE

It is almost three weeks since teachers and school pupils were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, yet the Nigerian government has failed to secure their release despite the fact that both the abductors and the victims remain within the territorial boundaries of Nigeria.

How else can one describe this situation if not deeply painful, inhumane, and terrifying for the victims who are being held under harsh forest conditions, as well as for their families whose lives have been shattered by this traumatic experience?

What excuse can any government offer in a situation like this other than the plain truth that it has failed in its primary constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of citizens within the sovereign territory it administers? None whatsoever.

However, it must also be acknowledged that there is only so much a state government can do when the nation’s security architecture is largely controlled by the federal government.

Be that as it may, no responsible government should pretend that all is well after losing control of such a fundamental responsibility. Worse still, the insecurity situation continues to deteriorate daily. In the last few days alone, there have been several reported cases of killings and kidnappings across the country. Even this morning, another kidnapping incident was reportedly recorded around the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The implication is obvious: the government has been overwhelmed by the scale of insecurity and can no longer honestly claim to be on top of the situation. Things are getting worse with every passing day.

Some of us have written extensively over the years, offering advice and practical suggestions on how to tackle insecurity in Nigeria. Unfortunately, successive administrations have failed to confront the problem with the seriousness, courage, and decisiveness it requires. That failure is one of the major reasons this monster has continued to grow unchecked.

If truth must be told, the moment a country begins to rely on foreign troops or external assistance to combat insecurity within its own borders, it is already an admission that the government has fallen short of its responsibility to maintain peace and order.

I know politicians sponsoring Oyo kidnappers, I’ll name them — Igboho

Even more painful is the fact that many politicians and citizens are now politicising insecurity instead of treating it as a collective national emergency. Rather than uniting against a common enemy, people are increasingly divided along ethnic, religious and partisan political lines.

Some blame Fulanis. Others describe every incident as a targeted religious genocide. But did the kidnappers separate Muslims from Christians before abducting victims in the South? Did they first identify ethnic backgrounds before carrying out attacks in the North?

Is it also impossible for criminals to disguise themselves in Fulani attire or exploit native languages and religious slogans in order to push dangerous narratives and deepen division among Nigerians? The reality is that evil-minded individuals can manipulate identities and sentiments to deceive the public and fuel hatred.

Anyone can shout “Allahu Akbar” or say “Bismillahi” while putting on Fulani attire to carry out heinous acts, but that alone cannot and should not be taken as automatic proof of identity or motive.

If we are truly serious about defeating insecurity in Nigeria, then we must rise above ethnic, religious, and political sentiments and form a united front against criminality.

We must eliminate mutual suspicion and stop viewing every security challenge through the lens of tribe, religion, or partisan politics. Nigerians must remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report suspicious activities promptly to the relevant authorities.

Only through unity, sincerity, vigilance, and collective action can we begin to restore peace, stability, and national confidence.

Meanwhile, the immediate priority must be the safe release of the abducted teachers, pupils, and every other Nigerian currently held in captivity across the country. Whether the government chooses negotiation, tactical operations, or any other lawful means is secondary. What matters most is that these innocent citizens regain their freedom without further delay.

I humbly submit.

Raymond Oise