In the heart of Nigeria’s Nasarawa State, fear looms large over the lives of its citizens. Kidnapping has evolved from a sporadic threat to a haunting daily reality. The once tranquil nights are now filled with dread, and the journey home from work has become a perilous endeavor for many.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, a federal government institution staff member, who recently escaped the clutches of kidnappers, shared a harrowing tale. He recounted the terrifying moments when he was abducted a few months ago in Lafia and transported to a sprawling forest around Nasarawa Eggon. Blindfolded and disoriented, he found himself deep within the confines of the forest.

The ransom demanded for his release was a staggering sum of over 2 million naira, a price too high for most to bear. When questioned about the method of payment, the victim revealed that he was instructed to pay in cash, following which he was eventually freed. The money had to be discreetly left in a designated location as directed by his captors. His voice trembled as he concluded, “It was not a good experience.”

The ordeal extends beyond adults; even students of both the university and polytechnic in Nasarawa State are now prey to these kidnappers. Last year, four students from the federal university in Lafia were kidnapped, but the police reported their release without any ransom paid. However, in the past month, the kidnappers have intensified their rampage.

At Nasarawa State Polytechnic, now IMAP Polytechnic, a student was kidnapped, and three others were injured. According to the Student Union Government (SUG) president, a ransom of 300,000 naira was paid for her release, a testament to the dire situation.

The most recent incident unfolded in Angwan Kare, near the Benue Cement Company (BCG), where four students from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, were kidnapped at around 10:30 PM. The victims were identified as Rahila Hanya, Josephine Gershon, Rosemary Samuel, and Goodness Samuel, all in their first year of university.

The Nasarawa State Police Command, represented by PPRO DSP, Ramhan Nansel, has confirmed these kidnappings and vowed to do everything in their power to rescue the victims. But the situation remains grim, as the kidnappers persistently demand cash payments as their preferred method of ransom.

The criminal hideouts are typically situated in the thick forests around Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, affecting both Nasarawa North and South regions. To the West, the notorious Toto forest near Toto Local Government Area is a favored location for these kidnappers.

Nasarawa State is in the grips of a kidnapping epidemic, and the government, law enforcement, and the entire community are grappling with the challenge of bringing this terrifying ordeal to an end. Until then, citizens continue to live in constant fear, hoping for respite from this disturbing and ever-present threat. (Saturday Vanguard)

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