Global human rights group, Amnesty International, on Monday tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat the growing rate of kidnapping in the country especially the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and declare an emergency on the issue.
Amnesty International joined the growing list of Nigerians and other critical stakeholders expressing anger following heinous attacks by kidnappers and their accomplices against innocent citizens and residents.
In a statement by Isa Sanusi, Director Amnesty International Nigeria, the global rights organisation specifically called on Tinubu to use lawful measures to end the cycle of violence and fear which Nigerians are living under today.
According to the statement: “Last week, over 45 people travelling between Otukpo in Benue State and Enugu were kidnapped and nothing has been heard about them yet.
“Also last week, Nabeeha – a student was killed in captivity because her family could not urgently meet the kidnappers’ demand for a N60 million ransom.
“Her siblings are still in captivity with the kidnappers. Also, one of the 10 people kidnapped at an estate in Dutse near Abuja was killed over failure of her family to pay ransom.
“We are now facing an epidemic of kidnapping. People in Nigeria are now living on the knife edge. Widespread insecurity and the chaos it causes have been exacerbated by routine kidnapping, as armed groups tighten their stranglehold on the country. Nigerian authorities must immediately stem the tide of kidnapping now.
“Many families choose not to report cases of kidnapping after paying ransom for fear of reprisals and as a result many incidents go undocumented. The current epidemic of kidnapping highlights the utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to effectively protect lives.”
He added, “The number of people in custody of armed groups and kidnappers is unknown. But the victims usually suffer shocking abuses. Several women and girls, including school children have been viciously raped while in captivity.
“Those kidnapped are routinely tortured. Many are beaten, starved, threatened with death, raped, held blindfolded for several days, verbally and physically assaulted.
“The Nigerian authorities are yet to show any tangible commitment to addressing the escalating breakdown of security across the country. Whatever security measures being currently implemented are clearly not working, as people in Nigeria feel more unsafe.
“Security of all people should be the priority of the government. People should not be left helplessly at the mercy of ruthless gunmen. Failure to address the security concerns urgently will grossly enable human rights abuses,” said Isa Sanusi.
He noted that under International Human Rights Law and Nigeria’s constitution, the authorities have obligations to protect lives and properties of all without discrimination.
Sanusi also called on the Nigerian authorities to investigate the waves of kidnapping and killings and bring those suspected of responsibility to justice through fair trials.