It has become a nagging issue demanding the collective efforts of every Nigeria to tackle. The criminal act portrays Nigeria as a country that is incapable of confronting head-on, an issue that has become a big problem.
Nigerians who embrace this anti-human act find it difficult to quit because they are of the perception that those in the corridors of power lack the will power to curtail the criminal act through legislation.
This is because the Nigerian government is yet to take the bull by the horns in finding a lasting panacea to the menace.
Once the government comes out with a stiff action against this cruel practice, the mindset of seeing the trade as a goldmine would be checked.
Some factors have been identified as motivating the drive for kidnapping
Among these is the urge to acquire wealth through illegal means. This inordinate ambition for material wealth is not unconnected with our nosediving value system. The importance that society attaches to riches and mundane things is perverse.
I am, therefore, of the opinion that kidnapping can be contained only if the needs of the youths are addressed, particularly the creation of jobs and the establishment of vocational centres for the unlettered youths.
Cottage industries should be established in the rural areas to prevent migration of the youths to urban centres where they could be lured into vices like kidnapping.
The Nigerian government should also implement the anti-kidnapping laws. The three tiers of government especially the Federal Government, should also embark on public enlightenment campaigns on the need to shun kidnapping.
George Babatunde
Iree, Osun State
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