In a distressing incident near Abuja, Nigeria, the violent abduction of five sisters has triggered a national outcry, casting a spotlight on the growing concerns about security in the country’s capital.
The abduction occurred at the beginning of the year when armed assailants forcefully entered the sisters’ residence, located just 15 miles from Abuja city center, as reported by a family member to media.
Tragically, one of the sisters, 21-year-old Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, lost her life when a ransom deadline passed. Negotiations are currently underway for the release of the remaining sisters.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with criminal groups targeting various locations, including highways, apartments, and even schools.
Following widespread public outrage over the sisters’ case, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the “recent spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks.”
First Lady Remi Tinubu also expressed concern, while both politicians and the media questioned the government’s approach, particularly after criminal gangs targeted parts of the heavily guarded Federal Capital Territory.
A tabloid over the weekend declared that Abuja was “under siege.”
Growing Insecurity
According to Nigerian risk consultancy SBM Intelligence, 283 people have been abducted in the Federal Capital Territory alone in the past year. Some experts attribute the rise in kidnappings to the country’s economic crisis, suggesting that desperate individuals may turn to crime for income.
Insecurity around the capital has reportedly been escalating for years, with a 2022 attack on a prison on the outskirts of Abuja serving as a significant moment.
Gunmen, claiming allegiance to the Islamic State, bombed their way into Kuje jail, releasing hundreds of inmates.
The minister for the Federal Capital Territory has urged residents not to panic, promising to find a solution. However, SBM analyst Confidence MacHarry emphasized the need for a consistent government approach, cautioning that periodic crackdowns on criminals in Abuja’s satellite towns were proving ineffective. MacHarry pointed out that criminals could easily evade such actions by lying low and buying time.
Family’s Tragic Night
The night of the abduction, the sisters were at their home in Bwari within the Federal Capital Territory, according to a cousin, Asiya Adamu. Describing the attackers as “bandits,” Adamu recounted how they struck around 9 pm on January 2, demanding cash. When the sisters’ father, Mansoor, had nothing to give, he offered his belongings.
The attackers, however, rounded up the daughters, a cousin, and Mansoor, tying their hands. Mansoor’s brother was shot dead when he attempted to intervene, and several police officers lost their lives in a subsequent gun battle.
Mansoor was eventually released on the condition that he raise a substantial ransom within days. Despite the family’s efforts, which included an online crowdfunding campaign and the intervention of a former minister, they could not meet the deadline.
Tragically, the bandits killed Nabeeha, returned her body, and increased the ransom.
The family continues to negotiate, even after managing to raise the new total.
Chronic Challenges and Criticisms
President Tinubu, who assumed office last year, pledged to address Nigeria’s security challenges, including jihadist activities, criminal militias, and intercommunal violence. However, critics argue that the kidnapping crisis is spiraling out of control.
Opposition politician Peter Obi expressed concern over the incidents occurring in Abuja, the nation’s capital, stating that it reflects the overall insecurity in the country. He called for a collective response to address the trauma experienced by affected families.
While President Tinubu plans to address the root causes of violence through education, a precise strategy has not been outlined. Abductions have become a lucrative industry in Nigeria, with daily incidents often going unnoticed by the global community.
As the nation grapples with the alarming frequency of kidnappings, the tragic loss of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar serves as a stark reminder that the situation demands urgent attention and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of citizens nationwide.
