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Insecurity : Nigerians spent N2.2trn as payment for ransom in one year -NBS
Despite massive hunger in Nigeria, N2.2trillion was spent for the payment of ransom in one year.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the payments were made between May 2023 and April 2024.
According to the NBS’s latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report published on Tuesday, 65 per cent of households affected by kidnapping paid ransoms for the release of their loved ones from the abductors’ den.
“The average amount paid as ransom was ₦2,670,693, with an estimated total ransom of ₦2,231,772,563,507 paid within the reference period,” the NBS report read.
It said kidnapping incidence was estimated at 2,235,954 nationally with results showing that rural areas (1,668,104) recorded more kidnappings than urban areas (567,850).
Further analysis by zones revealed that North-West had the highest cases (1,420,307), followed by North-Central (317,837), while the least was recorded in South-East (110,432),” it said.
Of the households that experienced kidnapping, the survey indicated that 80.5 reported it to the police.
“The South-South zone had the highest reporting rate at 100 percent, followed by North-Central at 89.6 percent, while North-West was least reported at 73.9 percent,” the report noted. “Disaggregated by place of residence, urban areas recorded 87.1 percent compared to 77.3 percent in rural areas.”
A further analysis of the report showed that some of the abducted persons were killed, while others were released.
It showed that of the reported cases of kidnapping, 82.1 percent were released,
12.8 percent were killed and 3.3 percent were still in captivity.
The study indicated that “About 91 percent of kidnapping incidents were done for ransom in the form of money, goods, or other benefits.
“Also, 2.4 percent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives, while 2.1 percent were linked to personal or family disputes. Custody disputes accounted for 0.5 percent of cases”.
On the overall crime rate in Nigeria, the NBS survey suggested that North-West region had the highest incidence of crime. There were 14.4 million reported cases in the region. This was followed by the North-Central region with 8.8 million.
However, the South-East region recorded the lowest number of reported crimes. It had 6.18 million incidents in the period under review.
Stories about abductions are rife in some parts of Nigeria. From mass abductions in schools to the killing of abductees, the crime seems to have become a business venture for gangs.
Despite government reassurance and that of security agencies, the situation, experts believe, has not been minimally reduced.
The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.
Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:
“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.
The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.
He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.
This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.
The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.
These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.
Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.
He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.
The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.
Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.
On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.
He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.
According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.
Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.
Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
Panic has gripped residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as multiple explosions rocked the Giwa Barracks in the early hours of Thursday.
The incident reportedly began at about 12:05 am, with residents in the vicinity forced out of their homes by the sounds of loud blasts and the sight of red flares lighting up the sky around the barracks.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, residents living in the area confirmed that the blast came from the armoury area
One of the residents, Rakiya Garba, confirmed the presence of men of the fire service, with sirens sounding all around the area
“We are safe, but we are in fear. The explosion is coming from inside the barracks. It is not an attack because we are not hearing gunshots.
“However, it has been a sporadic explosion,” she confirmed
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Borno state, Dr Umar Kadafur, has called for patience, saying that the explosion is a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks
He dismissed reports speculating that it was a Boko Haram attack.
He encouraged everyone to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.
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