Kidnapping is an act of forcefully abducting a person or persons and holding them captive. While it could be argued that the capturing and selling of slaves during the era of slave trade was also a form of kidnapping, Ngwama Justice Chidi in an article published in 2014 in International Journal of Humanities and Social Science entitled; Kidnapping in Nigeria: An Emerging Social Crime and the Implications for the Labour Market, asserted that the first act of kidnapping in Nigeria was in 2006 when the Niger Delta Militants took some expatriates total hostage to protest the inequality in the region. The heinous act has since then taken various dimensions, as government officials, clergy men, businessmen, civil servants and even children are now victims of kidnapping.
The motive for kidnapping varies and includes protest, politics, rituals, sex, slavery, or to generate money in form of ransom. The victims of kidnapping are subjected to hardship, torture and even death. In some cases victims end up being killed even after the ransom has been paid. Meanwhile, some of the victims never recover from the psychological trauma, which in some cases lead to death. Whatever the motive may be, kidnapping in all its forms remains an abominable practice to God and man, as recorded in Exodus 21: 16 and Deuteronomy 24 :7.
While Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans is cooling off his heels in jail, many still remain in the inhumane business paying deaf ears to its consequences. Only few days ago did the menace rear its ugly head in Agbor where over five persons, as alleged, were kidnapped at different places and time.
Though the culprits when caught may blame it on the joblessness and the economic situation of the country, the fact remains that they are wicked, selfish, and inhumane. Situations do not change people, rather, brings out the true characters of people.
While we condemn kidnapping, we also call on the government to take up responsibilities and provide what is needed for qualified youths of different skills and educational background to be taken off the streets.
Also, security agents should be up and doing in providing adequate security for the populace. Individuals should also take security measures so as not to fall victims of kidnap. These measures include: avoiding late nights, being observant wherever one goes and with whom one goes out, and also having emergency numbers on ones phone and always being at alert.