KIDNAPPING in Takum'

Kidnappings and its socio-economic Impacts on the Residents of Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria Araen Asanarimam Shinge Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abuja; June, 2019 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +2347063440190 Abstract Commercial activities in Takum has been grounded due to the problem of kidnappings that has ravaged the area since 2017. The menace of kidnapping has assumed an alarming dimension leading to loss of lives, properties, money and has had some negative social and economic implications on the residents of Takum. If this trend continues unabated, the negative effect which includes high rate of delinquency will certainly encourage the morally upright to be involved in this demonic trade. The high rate of kidnapping coupled with the breakdown of law and order and most times the loss of lives and properties is a cause for concern. Inefficient and ineffective strategy being adopted by the security agents and policy inconsistencies of the government has led to a security gap which the culprits are taking advantage of in perfecting their crime. This has resulted to a security challenge to the country and has caused the economy to dwindle. The extent of social disorder experienced in Takum have reach an alarming position making it necessary for both the government and all well-meaning people to be involved in the process of restoring a peaceful society where law and order reigns. The study therefore recommends that government at all levels should make policies that will attract both local and foreign investors which will create employment opportunities for the youths especially the vulnerable ones, also there is need to review the current strategy of dealing with the issue of kidnapping and hostage taking in Nigeria. In particular, there is the need to explore the extant laws and the extent to which they are being enforced with a view to establishing their efficacy. Keywords: Kidnappings, Takum, Taraba, impacts, socio-economic 1.0 Introduction: Takum have had vey disturbing phases in her history. The levels of rising tide of inter-group rivalry, political violence, instability, insecurity, conflicts, kidnappings, banditry and robbery have reached alarming stages that it seems hardly possible to imagine that we shall eve enjoy any peace in the area. Takum and its environs has witnessed recurring incidents of kidnappings and armed banditry. In more recent times, cases of armed robberies and abductions for ransom have become a lucrative business and a major security challenge in the area. Armed attacks on highways, villages and towns have been intensified with considerable loss of lives, destruction of properties and kidnapping of people in communities in and around Takum LGA. At present, the affected communities and authorities feel alienated and dissatisfied with the state and capacity of security infrastructures to defend and protect the people. Asuquo (2009) noted that the term “kidnapping” is difficult to define with precision, because it varies from State to State and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It is the forceful seizure, taking away and unlawful detention of a person against his/her 2 will. It is a common law offence and the key part is that, it is an unwanted act on the part of the victim. It is a restriction of someone else’s liberty which violates the provision of freedom of movement as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where every other law takes its cue from. For this reason, Siegel (2002) sees it as a serious offence. Abraham (2010) defined kidnapping as an act of seizing, taking away and keeping a person in custody either by force or fraud. The failure of governance at every level of administration coupled with other factors has been perceived as the possible cause(s) of kidnapping especially in third world countries. However, it includes snatching and seizing of a person in order to collect a ransom in return or settle some scores of disagreement among people. Walsh and Adrian (1983) also noted that, kidnapping varies from country to country; therefore the term is uncertain and devoid of any straight jacket definition. That is, it depends on who is defining it and from what perspective and for what purpose. They viewed kidnapping as unlawful seizure and detention of a person by force against their will. In Takum, kidnapping has assumed an alarming dimension which has received wide spread condemnations from well meaning people of Nigeria and even the international community. This paper seeks to find the impact of kidnappings on the socio-economic lives of the residents of Takum. 2 Study Area Takum Local Government Area was created from the former Wukari Native Authority in 1976 by the then late Gen. Murtala Mohammed. Takum derives its name from Kuteb word ‘Teekum;’ meaning “we come to settle”. The land has a total area of 2400sqkm. According to the 2006 population census, Takum has as estimated population of 135,349.The territory lies between latitude 60 30’ and 70 36’N and longitude 90 40’ and 100 18’E. It shares boundaries with Benue State to the west, Donga LGA to the North-East, while to the south-East lies Kurmi Local Government area and lastly the Republic of Cameroon is to the South. 3 Literature Review Thomas and Nta (2009) defined kidnapping as robbery of the highest rank. According to them, it is an organized and systematic robbery which is not as deadly as armed-robbery, but more profitable than the former. The profitability has encouraged those that indulged in it to carry on with the act although there is a law prohibiting it. In criminal law, kidnapping is defined as taking away of a person by force, threat or deceit with intent to cause him/her to be detained against his or her will (Asuquo, 2009). Whereas Nwaorah (2009) viewed kidnapping as an act of an angry man who wants to take any person of value hostage, and who could be rescued by loved ones. In most cases, victims are often released after payment of ransom. According to Ogabido (2009), “kidnapping” means to abduct, capture, carry off, remove or steal away a person(s). The Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (1996) defined kidnapping as the seizing and holding of someone prisoner illegally, usually demanding for a ransom for his/her release. Dode (2007) saw kidnapping as a process of forcefully abducting a person or group of persons perceived to be the reasons behind the injustice suffered by another group. It is “a low-cost, high-yield terror tactics”. This was the initial case in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Kidnapping and hostage taking is increasing daily in Nigeria and they are often used by armed groups, particularly terror inclined groups as mechanisms of achieving their demands. According to Nwanunobi (2017), kidnapping for ransom (commonly reported) is more prominent in the South-East and South-South (Niger- Delta), kidnapping for ritual purposes (uncommonly reported) is more prominent in the South-West and 2 3 North-Central regions, while abduction (mostly unreported) is more prominent in the North-East and North-West region. Prominent cases among the victims of high profile kidnapping in southern Nigeria includes: the father of the popular novelist, Chimamanda Adichie; Mother of former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okono-Iwella; Olu Falae: a Reverend Father John Adeyi and the princess of Akoko in Ondo State, Toyin Omosowon (Nwanunobi, 2017). 3.2 Types/Strategies of Kidnapping The free dictionary listed the following as the possible types of kidnapping. i) Bride Kidnapping: This is a term often applied loosely, to include any bride “abducted” against the will of her parents, even if she is willing to marry the “abductor”. It still is traditional among certain nomadic peoples of central Asia. It has been a resurgence in kyrgyztan, since the fall of Soviet Union and the subsequent erosion of women rights. ii) Child Kidnapping: This happens to be one of our cardinal focus and has to do with the abduction or kidnapping of a child (or baby) by an older person mainly for ransom, to settle political scores and a means of undoing one another. This is the current trend in the south-east where children (youth) of prominent businessmen and politicians have been victims. iii) Express Kidnapping: This is a situation in which the kidnappers demand a certain ransom where the families, company or government can pay. This type originated from Latin America, where a small ransom, that a family or company can easily pay. This perhaps is the trend in Abia State where it is revealed by John Owechi (oral interview 04/07/2011) whose colleague’s son was kidnap for the sum of N100,000 naira only. iv) Tiger Kidnapping: This is the taking of a hostage to make a loved one or associate of the victim do something for instance, a child is taking hostage to force the shop keeper to open the safe. The term originates from the usually long preceding observation like a tiger does on the prowl. Some of the types of kidnapping in Takum could be summarized under the following sub-headings. i) Kidnapping from Bushes: This is the type of kidnapping where the victims are normally abducted along the road leading to either a village or town and kept in the bush. This is the most used method as the bush provides a safe haven for the kidnappers who also perfect their mission in the bush. The victims could be any body depending on the target of the kidnappers. For instance, the kidnap of 15 pupils along the Aba-Port Harcourt expressway by one of the notorious kidnappers Osisikana and taken to unknown destination. The hoodlums where later apprehended and their captives released. ii) Kidnapping from Houses: This is the most widely used method of kidnapping of victims from their houses or offices and taken to unknown destinations. The Sun Newspaper of 14th February, 2010 reported the kidnapping of a medical Doctor Sunday Uche along the Ugwuati and Ogwe area of Ukwa-West Local Government Area of Abia State. He was allegedly killed after his abductors had collected N20 million ransoms from his relatives. The police according to that report fingered the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra. 4. Major Cases of Kidnapping in Takum i. Kidnapped of Hon. Hosea Ibi Hon. Hosea Ibi was a Kuteb man of Takum origin and was a member 3 4 representing Takum I constituency in the Taraba State House o Assembly. He was abducted at his residence at army barracks, Takum on the 20th o December, 2017. The lawmaker’s dead body was found on the road his hometown two days ate the state government paid the second ransom to his kidnappers. In his response, The Governor of Taraba State, Ishaku Darius Dickson said they were expecting Hosea Ibi to be released ate the first ransom was paid but the kidnappers demanded more money which was paid. The kidnappers killed the lawmaker regardless of both payment. The Governor stated this on Tuesday, Januay16, 2018 when late Ibi’s colleagues paid him a condolence visit at the government house Jalingo. This situation has send panic in the minds of the people, a situation that has led politicians and top government functionaries in the area avoiding coming home. ii. Kidnapped of Bala Goesblack Baely two weeks ate the burial of kidnapped Taraba State lawmaker, a 55year old business Tycoon, Mal. Bala Goesblack was kidnapped. He was abducted along Takum-Chanchanji road at 6pam. According to eye witness, the said victim was picked on his way to the market. He further revealed that Bala was forced to the waiting vehicle by his abductors as his own vehicle was abandoned at the scene o the incident. iii. Kidnapped of Alh. Usman Mayo Alh. Usman Mayo was a Takum based business Tycoon was another victim o kidnapping and hostage taking in Takum. The spokesperson o the businessman, Mal. Ibahim Takum told Daily Trust that the abductors demanded N100 million which was paid. According to him, the abductors, ate collecting N100 million further demanded of additional N100million. He said after series of negotiations on the additional N100million ransom, the abductors ceased communication with the family but he was however, released without more ransom paid when they discover that the family was not willing to pay another ransom. 5 Socio-Economic Impacts of Kidnapping in Takum Kidnapping and hostage taking has plagued the socio-economic development of Takum, Ussa and Yangtu Special Development area of Taraba State and has had spill-over effect on some jobless youths and graduates who see kidnapping and hostage taking as a lucrative alternative means of making money, acquiring economic power and getting social recognition. This has had adverse effect on the socio-economic development of the southern Nigeria. The social life of people has been affected and there is mistrust among people due to incidence of kidnapping and hostage taking in southern Nigeria. Also, the image of the country in the global scene has been shattered as a result of this. Kidnapping has had and still has some socio-economic effects. i) Kidnapping as a Source of Unemployment The recent kidnapping of foreign business men and women from other states of the federation that come to the area to buy agricultural goods like groundnut, cassava, ice cashew nut etc have stop coming to the area due to kidnapping. Since agriculture is the main stay o the people, the absence of buyers o agricultural goods has created serious unemployment as many who invested in such business are counting their losses. Some companies have either folded or relocated to other parts of this country leading to unemployment occasional by loss of jobs. 4 5 “Kuteb business woman interviewed lamented on the state o their groundnut business which is grounded due to lack of buyers. The prices of agricultural goods such as groundnut, maize, cashew nut etc has cashed in the area”. ii) Battered the Image of Takum The image of Takum area has been battered due to the activities of kidnappings. Takum which is known of peace and tranquility now tuned to den of kidnappers. Even indigenes of the area are scared of going to Takum especially with flashy cars. iii) Loss of Revenue to the Local Government The menace of kidnapping has affected the revenue generation of Takum Local Government. Some of the revenue accruable from the businesses in Takum Local Government has continued to diminish drastically. Commercial activities in the area has been affected by the menace o kidnappings who have scared buyers away from the area. Government continues to spend huge sums of money to provide security making other sectors of the economy to suffer. The Taraba State and Takum Local Government is reported to have decried the loss of millions of naira paid as ransom. iv) General Insecurity There is a general collapse of security in Takum area since the incidence of kidnappings began. There is general sense of insecurity leading to loss of lives and properties. The result is that many youth are now interested in the kidnapping business. The urge to be part of the money-spinning racket thus emboldened many desperate youths to defy the risk and embrace kidnapping as a pastime. Funny enough, kidnapping which could be likened to glorified armed robbery. This according to Iwarimie-Jaja (2010) lamented the security implications of kidnapping when he wrote: Enforcers of law (the police, the immigration services, drug law enforcement agency, customs, and state security services) in attempt to reduce Nigeria’s crimeproblem, have arrested children, young persons and adults, public-office holders and non-public office holders but their efforts have not stopped Nigeria’s crime problem from increasing astronomically. 5 Conclusion Kidnappings taking is one of the social problems that is endemic in Takum area and southern Taraba and it has adverse effect on the socio-economic development of the area. The phenomenon of kidnapping and hostage taking has assumed an unprecedented dimension in Nigeria and there seem to be no end in sight. The origin of kidnapping has been traced to the agitation and struggle by the people of Niger-Delta region to seek bigger shares of the returns from natural resources from their land. This problem is worsened by unemployment, use and dumping of the youths by politicians, greediness, lack of adequate information to the security agents by citizens when kidnapping incidents take place, lack of sophisticated equipment for tracking down criminals, poor motivation of security officers, misunderstanding and lack of synergy among security agencies and lack of proper recording of births, deaths and migrations of habitants and citizens in Nigeria. The issue of kidnapping and hostage taking has affected the social life of people, also government and private individuals have lost huge amount of money and properties as a result of the practice. Consequently, both local and foreign investors have lost the will to invest in the country because no investor will like to invest in a porous security environment. 5 6 6 Recommendations The need for the eradication of kidnapping and other social vices cannot be over emphasized. This research recommends the following. Government should tackle the problem of unemployment to reduce the rate at which the youth of today embrace kidnapping as a lucrative venture. Government at all levels should intensify efforts through a joint police and vigilante patrol to forestall wandering at odd times, thereby reducing the risk of kidnapping of especially in the night. The community members should teach their members especially the youth morals to discourage their indulgence in atrocious activities like kidnapping. The federal government should intensity the war against corruption which scholars seem to have agreed is the root of kidnapping in the country. BIBLIOGRAPHY Asuquo, M. E. (2009). The Upsurge of Kidnapping and Its Influence on Public Order in Akwa Ibom State. Unpublished Term Paper, Department of Sociology/Anthropology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State- Nigeria. Dode, R. O. (2007). Incidents of Hostage Taking and the Niger Delta Crisis in Nigeria. South-South Journal of Culture and Development, 9 (1), 162-179. Iwarimie-Jaja, (2010), Criminology, Crime and Delinquency in Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Pearl Publishers. Nwanunobi, T. (2017, February 21). Kidnapping: Unemployment, Poverty Top Reasons For Rise. Sundiatapost. Retrieved from http://sundiatapost.com /2017/02/21/kidn apping-unemploymentpoverty-top-reasons-for-rise/. Nwaorah, N. (2009, March 29). Are Kidnappers Worst Criminals? Vanguard. P.14. Ogabido, G. O. (2009, October 31). Kidnapping: New Brand of Terrorism. Saturday Sun. p. 7. 6