Residents of Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, are living in fear as a surge in kidnappings continues to plague the city.
Criminal gangs have reportedly stormed residential areas, abducting individuals and demanding ransoms running into millions of naira.
One recent victim, speaking anonymously, shared a chilling account of his abduction.
He was kidnapped at gunpoint just outside his home around 8:50 p.m. and taken deep into the forest.
“I was about to enter my house when some young men with guns stopped me.
They abducted me, and we trekked for over 11 hours into the bush,” he recalled.
The victim said the kidnappers, suspected to be armed Fulani youths based on their dialect, beat him severely and warned him against involving the police.
He was eventually released after his family managed to raise a hefty ransom.
“My family had to borrow money to secure my release.
I don’t know why I was targeted. It was a terrifying, near-death experience,” he said tearfully.
Another victim, also kidnapped within Lafia, described the abductors as highly organized and well-informed.
“They have informants. They kept me in a location near Doma Barracks until the ransom was paid. Nigeria is in serious trouble,” he lamented.
Residents have identified several hotspots where kidnappings are rampant, including Lafia North, Polytechnic and College of Agriculture areas, Shabu, Danka, Tudun Kauri, Tudun Amba, and Kwandere.
Community members are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols, monitor commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, and dismantle the growing network of kidnappers.
A resident of Shabu, Mr. Justus Adelabu, blamed the rising incidents on the influx of unfamiliar individuals into the area.
“Even a police officer was recently kidnapped and killed in the College area,” Adelabu said.
The ongoing wave of abductions has sparked widespread concern, with residents urging authorities to act swiftly and restore safety in Lafia and surrounding communities.