Rising Kidnappings in Lafia Leave Residents Terrified and Vulnerable

Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, is in the grip of a deepening security crisis as cases of kidnappings for ransomcontinue to rise. Armed groups are abducting residents at gunpoint, often just outside their homes, and demanding millions of naira in exchange for their freedom.

Speaking to reporters under anonymity, one victim described the traumatic experience of being abducted right in front of his house around 8:50 p.m.

“I was about to enter my house when some young men ordered me to stop. At gunpoint, they picked me up and we trekked for over 11 hours,” he recounted.

The victim, visibly shaken, said the attackers were likely armed Fulani youths, based on their language. He was physically assaulted, constantly threatened, and warned against going to the police. He was released only after his family scraped together a hefty ransom.

“I don’t know what I did wrong to deserve such agony. My family had to borrow money just to save my life,” he added, tearfully.

Another abductee, also kidnapped within the city, spoke of the sophistication of the criminal network:

“They have informants and strong connections. I was held near Doma Barracks. They knew what they were doing. Nigeria is in serious trouble.”

Local sources identified the most affected areas as Lafia North, Shabu, Danka, Kwandere, Tudun Kauri, Tudun Amba, and the neighborhoods near the Polytechnic and College of Agriculture.

The growing tension in Lafia has prompted widespread calls for urgent security measures. Locals are demanding:

• Increased patrols in hotspot areas

• Profiling of commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators

• Immediate dismantling of known criminal networks

Shabu resident Mr. Justus Adelabu voiced concerns over the presence of unfamiliar faces in the area, which he believes is contributing to the spike in criminal activity.

“Recently, even a police officer was kidnapped and killed in the College area,” he said.

Despite the deployment of security personnel, many residents believe that the kidnappers are still operating with shocking boldness and impunity.