Nollywood actor and philanthropist Williams Uchemba has expressed a serious concern about the escalating rate of kidnappings across Nigeria, calling on authorities to enforce stricter penalties and ensure that offenders face swift and visible justice.
In a fiery video shared on social media, Uchemba expressed frustration over what he described as “a dangerous culture of impunity” that continues to embolden kidnappers nationwide.
He said the lack of decisive punishment for such crimes has encouraged others to follow suit.
“When a child begins to steal meat from the mother’s pot and the mother does nothing serious about it, she is breeding a hardened criminal who might one day destroy her life or bring shame to the family,” he said.
“It’s the same with our justice system — when we fail to punish criminals, we create room for more.”
The actor questioned why laws prescribing severe penalties for kidnapping are rarely enforced to the full extent, adding that Nigerians deserve to see accountability and deterrence.
“We have a constitution that clearly defines the punishment for kidnapping. Yet, when culprits are caught, we stop hearing about the cases. That’s where our problem begins,” he said.
Uchemba lamented that the nation’s criminal justice system has become slow and selective in its enforcement, warning that the situation could worsen if government institutions do not take immediate action.
He urged authorities to make the prosecution process transparent and ensure that justice is both seen and served.
According to him, meaningful deterrence begins with visible consequences.
“Until we start enforcing the law with firmness and transparency, we will keep recycling the same problems,” he added.
The actor, known for his humanitarian work and vocal social commentary, said Nigerians have grown weary of news of mass abductions, school kidnappings, and ransom-driven violence.
He called on citizens and the government alike to treat the crisis as a national emergency that requires coordinated and uncompromising action.
“We want to be like countries that maintain law and order, but we lack the courage to do what’s right,” Uchemba said.
“If we want to move forward as a nation, we must restore fear in the law and faith in justice.”
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