By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMAD

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has expressed dissatisfaction over the recurring kidnapping and other violent activities in Isuikwuato and Isuochi communities in Abia State. This expression was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, on June 17, 2025.

FENRAD's declaration came at a time when Nigeria is experiencing a higher rate of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. The rights group decries the rate of insecurity in areas it considered "relatively safe", leading to the economic disruption and deaths. FENRAD says it "is deeply concerned about the recent resurgence of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in Isuikwuato and Isuochi communities in Abia State. The spate of insecurity in these areas, once considered relatively safe, has heightened fears and disrupted the socioeconomic activities of residents.

"FENRAD strongly condemns the criminal activities that have led to the abduction of innocent citizens, attacks on commuters, and the general atmosphere of fear and lawlessness across rural communities in these localities."

Preferring possible solutions, the group is asking the Abia State Government to step in and stem and the "lawlessness" in these communities.

"We call on the Abia State Government, the Nigerian Police Force, and all relevant security agencies to urgently overhaul the current security architecture in Isuikwuato and Isuochi and deploy adequate personnel and logistics to the affected areas. There is a pressing need for visible, community-sensitive policing and the activation of intelligence-driven surveillance mechanisms to dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the region," the rights group suggests.

Recognizing the roles of the grassroot authorities and traditional institutions in security architecture, FENRAD "urges traditional rulers, local government authorities, community-based organizations, and youth groups to work collaboratively with law enforcement to identify suspicious activities and ensure the safety of their communities."

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