Curfew Enacted in Nigerian State in Response to Abductions, Reports Indicate
In a bid to address the escalating cases of kidnapping in Nigeria’s restive north-western Zamfara state, a curfew has been imposed along its borders with Sokoto and Katsina states.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Mannir Haidara, movement will be restricted between 19:00 and 06:00 local time. This measure aims to combat the incessant kidnapping of travellers along the Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua highway.
Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly prevalent in north-western Nigeria, with armed gangs, known locally as bandits, targeting villages, schools, and travellers. Last month, dozens of schoolchildren were abducted in Kaduna state but later rescued.
Despite ransom payments being outlawed in Nigeria, criminal gangs continue to carry out mass abductions and demand significant sums for the release of their victims.
The imposition of a curfew underscores the gravity of the security situation in Zamfara state and the urgent need for decisive action to protect citizens and curb criminal activities perpetrated by these armed groups.
The imposition of a curfew along the borders of Zamfara state with Sokoto and Katsina states reflects the government’s recognition of the severity of the security challenges facing the region. By restricting movement during nighttime hours, authorities aim to disrupt the operations of criminal elements and enhance the safety of residents and travelers along key transportation routes.
However, while curfews can serve as a short-term measure to contain security threats, addressing the root causes of kidnapping and banditry requires a multifaceted approach. This includes improving law enforcement capabilities, enhancing intelligence gathering, and implementing socio-economic initiatives to address underlying grievances and create alternative livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
Moreover, cooperation and coordination between neighboring states are essential to effectively combat cross-border criminal activities and prevent armed groups from exploiting porous borders to evade capture and prosecution.
The recent surge in kidnapping incidents underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to strengthen security and restore public confidence in the affected regions. By implementing targeted interventions and fostering collaboration at local, regional, and national levels, authorities can work towards lasting solutions to the insecurity plaguing north-western Nigeria.
