Kidnapping In Lagos Nigeria: When Olugbenga Owolabi an America-based Nigerian decided to invest in the hospitality business in his hometown, Ogbomoso, after several decades of living in the United States of America never in his wildest imagination did it occur to him that singular decision who cost him his life.
Unfortunately, what began like a harmless adventure turned into a nightmare when Olugbenga Owolabi was abducted alongside Rachael Opadele a staff of his company on 29 July 2022 at the hotel located in Abaa area of Ogbomoso.
Ironically, Owolabi and Rachael Opadele, lives were cut short in August 2022 by their kidnappers after a ransom of N 5 million was paid by Owolabi’s relatives.
Rachael Opadele, a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso only crime was picking a job to keep l herself busy during the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Like Olugbenga Owolabi and Rachael Opadele, many Nigerians have lost their lives, while others narrowly escape death as kidnapping business keeps thriving unhindered in Nigeria.
From the South to the East, North to West, kidnapping has transformed into a profitable enterprise, affecting individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds who become targets for ransom demands.
Although we typically link kidnapping to criminal syndicates. It’s crucial to acknowledge that this phenomenon can encompass more than just traditional illegal activities.
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We have seen cases of politically motivated kidnappings and individuals faking their kidnap to extort money from their families and relatives.
Unfortunately, these occurrences have grown more frequent due to heightened cases of organized crime, political instability and economic woes throughout the country.
In this comprehensive guideline, we will delve into the reasons behind the alarming prevalence of this atrocious act in Nigeria and explore the ongoing efforts to mitigate its occurrence.
What Is Kidnapping?
Kidnapping is a grave crime that involves the forcible transportation of a person from one place to another without their consent and the subsequent confinement against their will for a significant period.
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This heinous act is universally condemned as a violent infringement upon the fundamental human rights of an individual.
Increase In Kidnappings In Lagos, Nigeria
Kidnappings in Lagos are not limited to any particular demographic group; however, some areas seem more vulnerable than others.
For instance, wealthy neighbourhoods such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki have been prime targets for kidnappers. This is primarily due to the high concentration of affluent residents and expatriates living in these areas.
Kidnapping has become a significant criminal activity in Lagos, the most populous city in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
The city has witnessed a substantial surge in kidnappings in recent years, targeting people from all walks of life, including wealthy business executives, expatriates, politicians, and even schoolchildren.
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Kidnapping has become not only a security threat to the residents of Lagos but also a significant challenge to the Nigerian government.
The presence of multiple security agencies in the state has not deterred kidnapping syndicates, who seem to be more sophisticated and organized than the security forces.
Causes Of Crime In Nigeria
The causes of crime in Nigeria are multifaceted and complex, and various factors contribute to the high crime rate in the country. One of the major contributing factors to corruption in Nigeria is poverty.
Many Nigerians live below the poverty line, resulting in high inequality, unemployment, and lack of access to essential resources.
Another factor contributing to crime in Nigeria is political instability. The country has a history of political unrest, and conflict has created an environment conducive to criminal activities.
Finally, Drug abuse is another significant cause of crime in Nigeria. The high rate of drug use among the youth in Nigeria has led to an increasing number of violent crimes, including armed robbery and murder.
Effective Solutions To Curb The Crime Rate
One of Nigeria’s most crucial remedies for kidnapping is to report the incident to the police immediately. The law enforcement agencies have the mandate to investigate and prosecute kidnappers.
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It is critical to provide the police with accurate and detailed information about the victim, the kidnappers, and the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
Another remedy for kidnapping in Nigeria is to engage the services of a reputable security outfit.
In a bid to tackle the ugly trend, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill imposing jail terms of at least 15 years for paying a ransom to free someone who has been kidnapped and made the crime of abduction punishable by death in cases where victims die.
The bill, which amends Nigeria’s terrorism law, mandates death penalty for convicted kidnappers where the abduction leads to loss of life, and life imprisonment in other cases.
Despite making the crime of abduction punishable by death in cases where victims die, and ransom payment punishable with lengthy jail sentences to discourage the rising spate of kidnapping and abduction for ransom in Nigeria nothing seems to have changed.
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The Final Say
Finally, the causes of crime in Nigeria are multifaceted, complex, and varied. To combat crime effectively, policymakers and law enforcement officials must address the causes of crime.
This includes poverty, political instability, porous borders, inadequate security forces, and drug abuse by implementing proactive measures to tackle these problems.
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