Is anyone truly immune from harm in Nigeria?
This recurring question echoes relentlessly, underscoring the stark reality that neither wealth nor poverty provides a shield against the pervasive insecurity plaguing our nation. The unyielding focus on this issue is crucial for the well-being of every Nigerian, regardless of social status.
When safety prevails, all citizens reap the rewards. However, the government’s apparent disregard for the security of its people only perpetuates the dire circumstances faced by both the affluent and the underprivileged, leaving them vulnerable to the whims of merciless kidnappers.
Yesterday, suspected gunmen brazenly abducted Oba Shedrack Durojaiye Obibeni, the revered ruler of Idofin, and his wife along the Makutu-Idofin road in Kogi State. This distressing incident, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, has sent shockwaves throughout the region.
Mr. Abdulrasak Asiru, Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Council, expressed his profound dismay and sorrow in the wake of the kidnapping. Such an event has not occurred in the area for nearly two years, amplifying the gravity of the situation.
“I, as the council chairman, and the people of Yagba East are deeply disturbed by the abduction of our respected Oba and his wife this evening,” Asiru lamented.
“Our local government area boasts a robust security architecture that has diligently protected us from criminal elements. Thus, this incident has left us suspicious, as it was clearly a well-coordinated operation. The Oba and his wife ventured out briefly, and within a mere 10 minutes, tragedy struck.”
Asiru emphasized the urgent need for an exhaustive investigation to identify the perpetrators and secure the safe release of the royal couple. He rallied the traditional rulers and community leaders in Okun land, issuing alerts and messages to heighten vigilance and initiate an extensive search effort.
“Our hunters and vigilant groups have already embarked on a meticulous search through the surrounding wilderness to locate these criminals and rescue our Oba and his wife expeditiously,” Asiru asserted.
However, the Kogi Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, stated that he had not yet received a briefing from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) responsible for the affected area.
These distressing incidents continue to underscore the plight faced by all Nigerians, depicting a nation that consumes its own citizens. Will the newly appointed government exhibit the compassion and determination necessary to prioritize effective security measures? Or will it merely be another empty promise, destined to remain unfulfilled?
