Highlight

Society is Fueling Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis, Says Fayose

Per Second NewsJune 2, 20262 Mins read576

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has stated that Nigeria’s insecurity is not solely the work of criminals, but is also enabled by members of the public who support these activities.

Speaking during a Channels Television interview on Monday, monitored by Persecondnews, Fayose argued that the government cannot tackle the crisis alone, emphasizing that criminal networks are actively sustained by individuals within local communities.

According to him, the crisis has escalated over time and now reflects a breakdown of social order across different layers of society.

“The society where we live is now part of this racket and evil kidnapping act, because people inside communities, families and institutions are also knowingly or unknowingly supporting these criminal networks,” Fayose said.

He added that kidnapping and related crimes have evolved into a complex system involving multiple actors beyond those directly carrying out abductions.

“This issue started like a joke and today it has taken over the fabric of our society completely, spreading across states, communities and even respected social circles,” he said.

Fayose further warned that the situation had become deeply entrenched, describing it as a system that now operates like an organised enterprise across different levels.

“It has become a big business and it is now a way of life for many people involved, directly or indirectly, in kidnapping and other violent criminal activities across the country,” he stated.

He maintained that no meaningful progress can be achieved without addressing what he described as societal involvement in the crisis.

“You cannot win a battle when society itself is part of the evil, because the criminals operate with protection, silence and sometimes encouragement from within the same society,” he said.

Recalling his time in office, Fayose said he adopted a hardline approach to criminal activities in Ekiti State, including arrests and prosecutions linked to violent incidents in farming communities.

“I made a law that banned uncontrolled cattle movement in my state, established ranching systems, and worked with the House of Assembly to enforce strict penalties against offenders disrupting peace in farming communities,” he said.

“The moment we find you with cattle in violation of the law, we take over the cattle immediately, and I personally ensured that offenders were arrested, prosecuted and jailed where necessary under the law,” he added.

He explained that the measures were taken after violent incidents in farming settlements, adding that several suspects were arrested and prosecuted during his administration.

Fayose said insecurity should not be left to security agencies alone, urging government to address societal involvement, enforce stricter laws, and ensure arrest, prosecution, and jail terms for offenders consistently.

Adressing the economic situation in the country, Fayose defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, describing the policy as a necessary but difficult decision.

He said the administration has taken tough measures in response to inherited economic challenges.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a perfect person, but he has given his best. The conditions were worse at the end of the previous administration,” he stated.

Fayose described the removal of fuel subsidy as a critical policy choice aimed at addressing long-standing economic distortions.