In a statement on Tuesday, Nigeria's leader announced a commitment to launching an extensive education initiative for the youth as a key strategy to combat the rising incidents of kidnappings for ransom, which are posing a threat to the capital city and the conflict-affected northern regions of the country.
President Bola Tinubu, who secured victory in last year's election with a promise to address the security crisis in the West African nation, expressed concern over persistent deadly attacks, especially in the north. Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in abductions along major roads and in homes in Abuja.
Tinubu strongly condemned the abductions, labeling them as "disturbing, ungodly, and sinister." He asserted that education serves as the "antidote to the troubles agitating the nation," as stated by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale. The government aims to swiftly deploy security agencies to address the current challenges and is committed to unveiling the necessary resources, policies, and plans for the comprehensive education of Nigerian youth.
Despite the president's promises, deadly attacks continue, with Abuja residents on the outskirts beginning to relocate due to an upsurge in abductions for ransom, believed to be orchestrated by gunmen from neighboring volatile states. Security forces are already engaged in battling jihadi rebels in the northeast, while armed groups carry out mass killings and abductions in remote communities across the northwest and central regions.
Critics argue that Tinubu's efforts to address the security crisis have fallen short, expressing concerns that Nigeria is heading toward a failing state. Oluwole Ojewale, a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies, noted that despite promises to mobilize national assets for citizen protection, there has been no noticeable improvement in the security situation, leaving non-state armed groups to challenge state authority.
