Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has ignited renewed discussion on Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, asserting that the phenomenon did not originate in the northern region, as is often perceived, but first emerged in southern Nigeria. His statement, made during a recent security and governance forum, challenges common narratives about the geographic roots of abduction and criminal networks in the country.
According to Governor Sule, while recent incidents in northern Nigeria—particularly in states plagued by banditry—have drawn national attention, the practice of kidnapping for ransom has long been entrenched in southern states. He argued that a historical understanding of the crime is essential for shaping effective national security strategies. “Kidnapping started in the South,” he said, “and it spread to other parts of the country over time. Focusing blame on one region oversimplifies a complex national security challenge.”
The governor emphasized the importance of coordinated and comprehensive responses that cut across regional and political divides. He urged security agencies, policymakers, and community leaders to develop strategies targeting the root causes of abduction, including organized crime, poverty, and weak law enforcement mechanisms, rather than perpetuating stereotypes about specific regions.
Governor Sule’s comments have provoked mixed reactions across Nigeria. Many security analysts and commentators have praised him for highlighting overlooked historical trends, noting that southern states, especially in the Niger Delta, have grappled with organized kidnapping networks for decades, often linked to militant and criminal groups operating in urban and riverine communities. Others, however, have criticized the statement, suggesting that it may downplay the severity of the ongoing kidnapping crisis in northern states, which continues to claim lives and disrupt social and economic life.
The discussion underscores the complex and evolving nature of Nigeria’s security landscape. While northern states are currently the focus of media reports due to high-profile abductions, historical patterns and government data indicate that kidnapping is a national issue with roots in multiple regions. Analysts stress that addressing the menace requires a multifaceted approach, including intelligence-led policing, community engagement, socio-economic interventions, and robust judicial action against perpetrators.
Governor Sule’s remarks have also reignited debates on how national discourse frames security challenges in Nigeria, highlighting the need for policies informed by facts, historical context, and regional realities rather than perceptions or political narratives. As the country continues to battle kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, his statement serves as a reminder that the solution must be national in scope, comprehensive in design, and inclusive of all affected regions.
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