Kidnapping Rampage: Nigerian Children Are No Longer Safe

The seemingly high rate at which people get missing, the disturbing recent discoveries of kidnappers' den in different locations in South West Nigeria and many more all point to the truth that kidnapping is on the rampage and the need to curb this incessant menace is important.

Nigeria as a blessed nation has been faced with so many challenges since the start of the year 2014 but in all of the many ups and downs it has encountered, kidnapping seems to be the mother of them all.

According to the Global Database of Events,Language and Tone, the daily kidnapping rate in Nigeria has risen from 0-200 daily since 1984-2014. Now, if this survey is close to being accurate, I cannot but ask what really went wrong between 1984 and 2014.

Gbenga Toye, a UNILAG graduate of Pharmacy described this rampage as one that is highly alarming and bothersome because it affects both young and old. He encouraged everyone to be mentally alert all the time,be security conscious and be in tune with any environment we find ourselves in.

Abimbola, an ex-corps member in Akwa Ibom state said the thoughts of being kidnapped is not an appealling one at all,citing an example of a kidnap occurrence around her area which led to the death of a young lady.

As Nigerians, we wake up each day to hear fresh kidnap stories around us. Although many tend to attach this menace to the high rate of unemployment in the country,greediness and laziness on the part of the kidnapper as a way to quick financial freedom through ritual means, I believe that improper orientation from childhood also is a causal agent.

Yes,I know the government has a part to play in curbing kidnapping in our country but as the saying goes :"it all begins with you"! If the government cannot help in situations like this, will you rather sit down and bask in the euphoria of helplessness?

Will you rather keep assuming you are safe when you are not in the real sense?

Knowing that even relaxing in front of your own house does not guarantee safety;Will you rather wait for this to happen before confirming this? Think about these things.

As a well-meaning Nigerian, what do you think can be done to curb these incessant menace?