Nigeria Grapples with Rising Kidnappings as Citizens Fear for Safety
In Abuja, people returning from church on Sunday, November 23, described a constant sense of dread
Residents across Nigeria are living in fear as a surge in kidnappings and banditry grips the country, prompting calls for increased security at churches, schools, and public spaces
In Abuja, people returning from church on Sunday, November 23, described a constant sense of dread
Businesswoman Ifeoma Aneke said fear has become part of daily life
“I don’t think anybody feels safe,” she said. “Any noise at night causes people to wake up. Nowhere is safe in Nigeria right now”
Student Christian Aminu urged authorities to deploy security personnel at schools, churches, and other public facilities so that citizens can feel safe while carrying out their daily activities
The warning comes after a mass kidnapping in Niger State, where over 300 children and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School on Friday, one of the largest such incidents in Nigeria’s history
The Christian Association of Nigeria estimates the total number of abductees at 315, up from initial reports of 227
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In response, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago ordered the closure of all schools in the state while security forces work to rescue the kidnapped children. “Our mission today is to see how we can rescue the children,” he said
The wave of abductions has heightened nationwide anxiety, with citizens calling on the government to act swiftly to protect vulnerable communities
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
