The Nasarawa State Police Command has uncovered a disturbing trend that explains why kidnapping incidents are on the rise in the state despite concerted efforts by security agencies to curb the menace. Speaking to reporters in Lafia, the state capital, the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ramhan, disclosed that syndicates are now being hired by relatives and associates to abduct loved ones for ransom, fueling the illicit business in the state.
According to DSP Ramhan, the police acted on intelligence to foil one of such attempts involving Dahiru Sani of Doma Local Government Area. Sani had hired a five-man kidnapping syndicate to abduct his brother-in-law, Alhaji Asharuwa, who was subsequently held for a N5 million ransom. However, the police swiftly apprehended the suspects and rescued the victim unharmed.
In a similar incident, Abubakar Ori of Mada Station, who runs a kiosk opposite Popsy Oil and Gas at Mada Station in Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, also hired a kidnapping syndicate. The syndicate attacked the filling station on April 4, abducted two pump attendants, and demanded a ransom. However, the police acted on the report, launched an extensive investigation, and apprehended one Muhammed Husseini of Shinge, Lafia, in connection to the crime. During interrogation, Husseini confessed that his syndicate was hired by Ori to carry out the act, leading to the arrest of Ori at his kiosk located adjacent to Popsy Oil and Gas station.
The Nasarawa State Police Command arrested a total of 17 suspected kidnappers, five armed robbers, and two cattle rustlers within the month, including a notorious kidnapper, Shuaibu Mohammed, aka Chiyawa, of Kadarko in Giza Development Area. The command, along with the military and vigilante, also arrested six kidnappers and rescued four victims during a joint operation at Alogani/Eggon Hill in Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area on April 10.
The rise of syndicates hired by relations and associates for kidnapping loved ones for ransom has become a disturbing trend in Nasarawa State, fueling the growth of the illicit business. The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded several successes in curbing the menace, apprehending suspects and rescuing victims in various operations. However, more needs to be done to nip the trend in the bud and ensure the safety and security of residents in the state.