Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, stands at a critical juncture, grappling with an alarming surge in criminal activities that have cast a long shadow over its once-enviable reputation as a peaceful and secure city.
Recent events paint a grim picture of growing insecurity, with residents living in constant fear.
In a city that symbolizes Nigeria’s power and governance, it is disheartening to witness this recent rise in crime rates.
This wave of insecurity has manifested in various forms, including abductions, kidnappings, ‘one-chance’ robberies, as well as ‘jungle justice as a result of alleged genital theft.
The menace of one-chance robberies, where unsuspecting commuters fall victim to criminals masquerading as passengers in shared taxis or other modes of public transport, has become an alarming trend. These ruthless criminals deceive their victims and proceed to rob, assault, or even harm them.
The sense of vulnerability this creates among residents as they go about their daily lives cannot be overstated. One poignant example of this ongoing crisis is the tragic story of Greatness Olorunfemi, a victim of the one-chance menace and a member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, who recently lost her life.
The alleged genital thefts
Equally disturbing are reports of alleged genital thefts, a particularly bizarre and heinous crime that involves the violation of personal privacy and dignity.
Although not proven, there have been too many reports and these incidents, if real, are not only a violation of individuals’ physical well-being but also a direct assault on their psychological and emotional state.
Earlier this month, the Nigeria Police Force, FCT command said it recorded about 62 cases of alleged disappearance of male private parts in the FCT.
Amid this chaos, the troubling phenomenon of jungle justice has also reared its ugly head. Residents, exasperated by the gravity of the alleged genital thefts, have resorted to taking the law into their own hands.
While the frustration is understandable, such acts only lead to a further breakdown of law and order, making it imperative for the authorities to ensure that justice is served promptly and fairly.
The FCT command in a bid to combat this said it arraigned no fewer than 51 persons in court for raising false alarms on genital thefts.
One other distressing aspect of the rising crime rates in the nation in general and the FCT, in particular, is the spate of abductions and kidnappings.
These incidents include the abduction of four students from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, the kidnapping of four female students from the Federal University Dutsin Ma in Katsina State and the abduction of 24 students from the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State.
Combating the escalating crisis
To combat this escalating crisis, a comprehensive approach is urgently required. Increasing law enforcement presence, improving their training and encouraging community policing initiatives can help build trust between the police and the public.
Educating the public about common criminal tactics can also empower residents to protect themselves. Public campaigns and workshops can be organized to raise awareness and share safety tips.
Strategic placement of surveillance cameras and improved street lighting can act as deterrents to criminals and aid in their identification and capture.
The establishment of specialized law enforcement units to respond swiftly to crime reports is essential in apprehending criminals before they evade capture.
Another important step is the collaboration with community leaders and organizations to help identify local concerns and tailor security measures to specific neighbourhoods.
The security crisis in the FCT as well as the country at large is undeniable, demanding immediate and sustained attention.