Kidnapping for ransom has become a terrifying and lucrative business in Nigeria, especially in the once-thought haven of the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. With the rise in abductions, the use of crowdfunding for ransom has become increasingly common, as families, friends, and well-wishers are forced to mobilize funds to secure the release of their loved ones. While the immediate goal of crowdfunding for ransom is to secure the freedom of the victims, the long-term implications of this trend on Nigeria’s progress towards SDGs, particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) are deeply troubling. Jumoke Olasunkanmi – reports.
In recent months, several high-profile cases of crowdfunding for ransom have captured national attention. Of recent on January 14, 2024, a former Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, made headlines when he said that a friend of his had offered to pay N50 million ransom to kidnappers to secure the release of the five remaining sisters who were abducted in their house in Abuja on January 2, 2024. Just earlier in 2021, precisely On May 1, 2021, the parents of students abducted from Greenfield University in Kaduna State made a public appeal for financial assistance to pay ransom demands, leading to the release of some of the students. These cases are just the tip of the iceberg, as countless other families across the country have been forced to turn to crowdfunding to secure the release of their loved ones
The use of crowdfunding for ransom has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s progress towards SDGs. Goal 1, which aims to eradicate poverty, is directly threatened by the financial burden placed on families who are already struggling to make ends meet. The exorbitant sums of money demanded by kidnappers often plunge families into even deeper financial hardship, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Furthermore, Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and quality education for all, is undermined by the impact of kidnapping on the education system. The abduction of students, teachers, and school staff has led to the closure of schools and the disruption of learning, depriving a generation of young Nigerians of their right to education. The use of crowdfunding for ransom also diverts much-needed resources away from the education sector, hindering efforts to provide quality education to all.
Also, Goal 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, is compromised by the prevalence of kidnapping and the use of crowdfunding for ransom. The widespread fear and insecurity created by these criminal activities erode trust in institutions, undermine the rule of law, and threaten the overall stability of the country. The reliance on crowdfunding for ransom further undermines the strength and effectiveness of institutions, as they are unable to protect citizens from the threat of kidnapping.
To gain a better understanding of the implications of crowdfunding for ransom, the African Health Report (AHR) spoke with Senator Jude Iroegbu, a security expert and analyst. According to Iroegbu, the use of crowdfunding for ransom not only perpetuates the cycle of kidnapping but also emboldens criminal elements and fuels further criminal activities.
He however noted that despite the sensitivity of the issue, crowdfunding for ransom is not a sustainable way to address the rising spate of kidnapping and may instead fuel the act.
“It’s important to understand that the proliferation of kidnapping and the use of crowdfunding for ransom are symptomatic of deeper social, economic, and security issues,” Iroegbu stated. “Unfortunately, this method is not sustainable. The effectiveness of this approach is questionable in the long term, as it doesn’t address the root causes of kidnapping or deter potential perpetrators.
“We cannot rely solely on ad-hoc measures such as crowdfunding to address this complex problem. We need a comprehensive strategy that focuses on prevention, law enforcement, and sustainable development initiatives to create a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.”
In light of the government’s efforts to address the issue of kidnapping and improve national security, it is worth examining the effectiveness of the National Identification Number (NIN) registration, which was championed by Dr Isa Pantami during his tenure as Minister of the Digital Economy. The NIN registration was touted as a key tool to track and end banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities in the country.
However, despite the considerable investment of taxpayer money in the project, there has been little evidence to suggest that it has achieved its intended objectives.
Furthermore, the recent statement made by the ex-minister Pantami on his X handle on Sunday that a friend of his, whose name was not mentioned, has offered to contribute N50 million as ransom to kidnappers for the release of the six sisters raises serious questions about the government’s approach to addressing the issue of kidnapping.
In Nigeria, the growing trend of crowdfunding for ransom reflects the dire situation of rampant kidnappings and associated financial burdens faced by families. In contrast, in many Western countries, the policy of not paying ransom to kidnappers has led to lower incidents of abductions. Nigeria should learn from this practice by focusing on addressing the root causes of kidnapping and strengthening law enforcement and security measures.
As Nigeria strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it is essential to address the growing trend of crowdfunding for ransom and its impact on the country’s progress towards eradicating poverty, providing quality education, and promoting peace and justice.
The use of crowdfunding for ransom perpetuates the cycle of kidnapping, exacerbates poverty, disrupts education, and undermines the stability of the country. A comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of kidnapping and strengthens institutions is essential to create a safer, more prosperous Nigeria for all.
