At least 113 traditional rulers have been kidnapped in different parts of Nigeria in the past four years, according to published data yesterday.
The data published covered the years 2018 to date during which several monarchs fell victims to this menace, which has become a new normal in the country.
The unabated rising insecurity in Nigeria, which manifested with intensity across the country, with various attacks on schools and individuals, is now threatening the traditional institutions. Given the recent scenarios, the traditional rulers have particularly come under increasing attack.
Apart from traditional rulers and members of their families, different classes of people were kidnapped within the period under review. While some of them returned from their captors dens alive after paying ransoms, others lost their lives in captivity despite paying ransoms. In most cases, those who could not pay ransoms were killed.
Recall that on July 11, the Emir of Kajuru, Alh. Alhassan Adamu and 13 others were kidnapped in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State. The kidnappers had demanded N2 million. The 85-year-old second-class traditional ruler was released after a night with his abductors.
Barely two weeks before then, the traditional ruler of Jaba, the Kpop Ham of Jaba chiefdom, also in Kaduna State, Jonathan Danladi Gyet Maude, was abducted around Panda, in Nasarawa State, while visiting his farm located on Gitata, a border town between Kaduna and Nasarawa States.
The 80-year-old first-class monarch was released on Wednesday, after spending two nights with his abductors. The kidnappers demanded a N100 million ransom. But it was unclear if any ransom was paid or the royal father was rescued by security operatives.
A former Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Adedayo Adeoye, says because the criminals are aware that it is a shame for the state if monarchs are abducted in their domain, they continue to make traditional rulers their victims to boost their nefarious activities.
Adeoye, in a telephone interview, explained that the criminals are becoming more daring in bringing traditional rulers to their den with a view to boosting their illegal business.
The former senior police officer stressed that the government knows how to stem the tide if they are ready to stop the marauders terrorising the country.
