The issue of insecurity in Nigeria continues to spark concern among citizens and public figures alike, especially as reports of kidnappings become increasingly frequent. Davido’s logistics manager, popularly known as Israel DMW, has recently appealed to the Federal Government to urgently tackle the surge in abductions across Edo State. His plea highlights a growing wave of anxiety that extends beyond his home state, resonating with communities across West Africa that grapple with similar threats on their roads and in rural areas.
Israel DMW raised the alarm in a heartfelt post on his Instagram page, where he shared a distressing video that quickly drew the attention of his followers and the wider public. The footage reportedly showed a terrified young woman who had fallen victim to kidnappers. In the video, she appeared visibly shaken, battling tears as she pleaded for help, while her abductors demanded a ransom. The emotional intensity of the video struck a chord with social media users and underlined the stark reality that many Nigerians are facing today.
“This is becoming too much. The Federal Government should please come to our aid in Edo State,” Israel wrote, echoing the concerns of countless Edo citizens living under the shadow of insecurity. According to local reports, kidnappers are said to operate with increasing brazenness, targeting travelers along major highways as well as people in remote communities. These alleged criminal activities have led to a climate of fear, with residents afraid to travel or engage in daily activities without apprehension.
Edo State, long regarded as a vibrant hub for culture and commerce in southern Nigeria, is now battling a public safety crisis. Community leaders, transport workers, and market traders in the state have spoken up about their mounting fears. “Everyone is living in fear,” said Mrs. Osarumen Igbinedion, a primary school teacher in Benin City. “We worry for our children going to school and even simple errands have become dangerous. We need strong action, not just promises.”
Recent incidents highlight the urgency of Israel DMW’s call. In a related event, gunmen—suspected to be kidnappers—reportedly abducted six passengers, including three staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while they were traveling along the Aloma axis of Kogi State. The victims, identified in reports as Chinenye Orji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee, were on an official assignment to Anambra State ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election when their convoy was ambushed. According to INEC sources, these staff members were deployed to print voter registers and other sensitive election materials, underscoring the broader impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s democratic process.
The spate of kidnappings along major highways, including the Benin-Auchi road and routes passing through Kogi and neighboring states, has seen everyday Nigerians and government officials alike become targets. Transport associations say members increasingly fear for their safety, with several unions reportedly calling on authorities to intensify patrols and deploy more resources to critical hotspots. “Every week we hear of new incidents,” explained Mr. Monday Eronmwon, a commercial bus operator in Edo. “Sometimes, our colleagues are taken for ransom, and the trauma doesn’t end even after release.”
Experts and security analysts point to multiple factors driving the crisis, including economic hardship, high youth unemployment, and porous security infrastructure. According to Dr. Abiola Oladipupo, a Lagos-based security consultant, “The rise in kidnapping is a complex mix of organized crime and opportunistic actors exploiting vulnerability. Addressing it requires multi-layered solutions—more police presence, economic reforms, and better intelligence sharing.”
Data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics reflect a troubling trend. Between 2020 and 2023, the reported number of abduction cases across the country increased by over 30%, with states in the North-West and South-South regions experiencing the sharpest spikes. The reported incidents have also affected international perceptions, with foreign governments sometimes issuing travel advisories for parts of Nigeria and West Africa.
The local impact is profound. Businesses in Edo and neighboring areas have been forced to adjust operating hours, with some transport companies reducing night services or avoiding certain routes entirely. In the agricultural sector, farmers in rural communities have expressed fears of going to distant farms, threatening food security and livelihoods. Civic organizations have urged the government to accelerate both reactive and preventive strategies, including technology-driven surveillance, community policing, and the strengthening of local vigilante groups with oversight.
The government, for its part, has on several occasions assured Nigerians of its commitment to improving security. Police officials in Edo and Kogi States have reportedly increased patrols and announced several high-profile arrests. However, critics argue that significant gaps remain—especially in terms of responding quickly to incidents and bringing perpetrators to justice. According to Dr. Oladipupo, “While security agencies claim progress, the daily experiences of Nigerians suggest more urgent, coordinated action is needed. Effective prosecution and robust support for victims are also lacking.”
Looking beyond Nigeria, the challenge of securing highways and rural communities from kidnapping is not unique. Several West African countries, including Ghana and Cameroon, have faced similar issues, prompting cross-border partnerships and discussions on regional security frameworks. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for greater cooperation on intelligence and has run several workshops aimed at empowering local law enforcement agencies.
For many in Edo and beyond, the call to action remains immediate and personal. Social media campaigns, community meetings, and religious associations have all joined the chorus demanding swift and sustained intervention from the authorities. “We all have a role to play,” said Chinonso Okeke, a youth leader in Uromi. “But the government must take the lead. Otherwise, citizens may lose faith in national institutions.”
As communities continue to adapt and organize in the face of danger, the stories of survivors—like the young woman in the video shared by Israel DMW—serve as stark reminders of what is at stake. The challenge is not just about restoring law and order; it is about reclaiming the sense of security and trust that every Nigerian deserves. Both local and national governments, as well as community organizations, will need to collaborate, innovate, and follow through on security promises to make a tangible difference.
The unfolding situation is a call for urgent attention and sustainable solutions—not only for Edo State, but for Nigeria as a whole and the wider West African region.
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