By Busingye Frank
The recent surge in mass abductions in Nigeria has brought back harrowing memories of previous incidents, signaling a concerning trend. In two separate instances within a week, armed groups on motorcycles abducted hundreds of people in the northern regions of the country.
The first incident occurred in a remote town in Borno state, where suspected militant Islamists kidnapped women and children from a displaced persons camp who were gathering firewood. The delay in reporting was due to the destruction of local mobile phone masts.
The following day, over 280 children and some teachers were abducted from a school in Kaduna state by gunmen suspected to be linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansaru group.
These abductions mark a resurgence in a pattern of kidnapping that has plagued Nigeria, despite a temporary decline after the international outcry following the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
The timing, just before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, raises questions about potential motivations. Previous kidnapping victims have recounted being forced into menial tasks in forest camps.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative enterprise, driven by economic desperation exacerbated by Nigeria’s struggling economy. Rising food prices, limited access to farmland due to insecurity, and environmental challenges further contribute to the vulnerability of communities.
The porous and insecure borders of Nigeria facilitate the criminal activities of these gangs, who often find sanctuary in forest reserves along the borders. Addressing the root causes of the issue requires transnational cooperation with neighboring countries and a commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice.
Despite efforts to combat kidnapping, impunity persists, fueling the cycle of violence and criminality. Without decisive action and accountability, the threat of mass abductions in Nigeria will continue unabated.