The abduction of five young Nigerian sisters near Abuja has triggered a nationwide outcry, raising concerns about security in the country’s capital. The incident occurred at the beginning of the year when armed men forcibly entered their home, situated just 15 miles from Abuja city center, according to a family member who spoke to AFP.
Tragically, one of the sisters, 21-year-old Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, lost her life when a ransom deadline passed. Negotiations are ongoing for the release of the remaining sisters. Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant issue in Nigeria, with criminal gangs targeting highways, residences, and even schools.
The public outrage over the sisters’ case prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to condemn the “recent spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks.” First Lady Remi Tinubu also expressed concern, while questions have been raised about the government’s strategy, particularly as criminal gangs target parts of the heavily guarded Federal Capital Territory.
According to the Nigerian risk consultancy SBM Intelligence, 283 people were 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 been escalating for years, with a notable incident in 2022 when gunmen attacked a prison on the outskirts of Abuja, freeing hundreds of inmates in a raid claimed by Islamic State-allied jihadists.
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, warning that periodic crackdowns on criminals in Abuja’s satellite towns are ineffective.
Despite Nigerian law prohibiting the payment of ransom to kidnappers, many families lack faith in the authorities and feel compelled to negotiate independently. On the night of the abduction, the sisters’ father, Mansoor, had nothing to offer, leading to the captivity of his daughters and a tragic sequence of events, including the death of one sister, police officers, and a family member.
The family continues to negotiate, grappling with the bandits’ demands even after raising funds through an online crowdfunding campaign and the intervention of a former minister. The youngest sister is only 14 years old, according to Asiya Adamu, a cousin whose account has been confirmed by politicians. While police acknowledge the abduction, they refrain from providing details for security reasons, stating that a rescue is underway.
President Tinubu, who assumed office with a commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, faces criticism over the escalating kidnapping crisis. Opposition politician Peter Obi emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that incidents of kidnapping, killings, and violent attacks are now occurring in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The president has announced plans to address the root causes of violence through education but has not outlined a specific strategy. Abductions have evolved into a lucrative industry in Nigeria, with the kidnapping of schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014 garnering global attention. However, daily abductions, like the one affecting the sisters, often go unnoticed.
Asiya Adamu described Nabeeha as “smart, sweet, and kind,” highlighting the devastating impact of the abduction on a promising young life. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address insecurity and protect the lives of Nigerian citizens.
