The rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria, particularly kidnapping, cultism, drug-related offences, and other violent crimes, continues to generate serious concern among citizens and stakeholders nationwide. Many security observers argue that weak deterrence mechanisms and inadequate penalties have contributed to the growth of criminal activities, making kidnapping increasingly lucrative in certain parts of the country.
Recent incidents, including reports of individuals allegedly orchestrating fake kidnapping scenarios for financial gain, have further highlighted the extent to which criminal enterprises have become embedded in society. Concerns have also emerged over reports of recruitment and training of criminal elements in forested areas, worsening the nation’s security challenges.
Against this backdrop, Comrade Bibi Oduku, Chairman of Guard Time Information (GTI) Human Rights Activists Nationwide, alongside members of the organization, including legal professionals and civil society advocates, has expressed support for the efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to strengthen legal and institutional responses to kidnapping, cultism, and related criminal activities.
According to Comrade Oduku, criminal groups have continued to exploit gaps in enforcement and societal complacency to expand their operations. He disclosed that GTI’s legal team in Edo State is developing a proposal designed to provide legal and advocacy support to the state government’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
He explained that the initiative would encourage collaboration among citizens, journalists, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders committed to advancing peace, public safety, and sustainable development.
Comrade Oduku also condemned the spread of false security alerts and misinformation, warning that such actions heighten public anxiety and weaken confidence in security institutions. He urged residents to support government authorities and security agencies in confronting kidnapping, cultism, drug abuse, and other threats to national stability.
Speaking on behalf of GTI’s institutional development arm, Professor Adegbenga Onabamiro stressed the adverse impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s educational sector. He noted that academics, students, and administrators have increasingly become victims of criminal activities, disrupting teaching, learning, research, and institutional administration.
Professor Onabamiro called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, communities, and security agencies. He advocated the establishment of intelligence-driven security networks connecting educational institutions with host communities, the Nigeria Police Force, and the military to enable rapid response and improve protection of lives and property.
He further observed that persistent insecurity continues to undermine the ability of educational institutions to function effectively, ultimately affecting academic excellence and national development.
Also speaking, Barrister Confidence O. Agbator, Head of Legal Affairs of Guard Time Information in Edo State Civil Matters, warned against the growing trend of staged kidnapping incidents for personal benefit.
She urged parents and community leaders not to shield individuals involved in criminal acts but instead cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability.
Barrister Agbator cautioned that communities that tolerate criminality risk long-term instability and insecurity. She encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, emphasizing that informants and collaborators often operate within communities while gathering intelligence for criminal groups.
In his concluding remarks, Comrade Bibi Oduku called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to remain steadfast in implementing policies and laws aimed at reducing kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
He maintained that decisive and sustained action is necessary to protect lives, restore public confidence, and foster lasting peace and development in Edo State and Nigeria at large.
