This post has already been read at least 11154 times!
The opposition political party, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), has issued a 14-day notice to the Federal Government to unveil and begin implementing concrete measures to tackle the worsening wave of kidnappings across the country, warning that the growing insecurity has left millions of Nigerians living in fear.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Judith Aguenu, the DLA expressed deep concern over what it described as the Federal Government’s inability to effectively address the escalating kidnapping crisis threatening lives, livelihoods, and national stability.
The party declared that “kidnappers are winning” while ordinary Nigerians continue to bear the burden of insecurity, economic hardship, and fear.
According to the statement, “the National Leadership of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) expresses its grave concern over the alarming rise in kidnapping and abduction incidents across Nigeria and the apparent inability of the Federal Government to effectively address this growing national tragedy.”
The party questioned the adequacy of the government’s current response to the security challenge, arguing that recent measures announced by the administration do not reflect the scale of the crisis confronting the nation.
“The recent decision of the Federal Government to recruit 1,000 forest guards as part of its response to insecurity has done little to reassure Nigerians that the administration fully understands the magnitude of the kidnapping crisis currently threatening lives, livelihoods, and national stability,” the statement said.
Painting a grim picture of the security situation across the country, the DLA said the fear of abduction has become a major obstacle to daily life and economic productivity.
“Today, millions of Nigerians live in fear. Hardly a day passes without reports of citizens being abducted from highways, homes, schools, farms, places of worship, and communities. The fear of kidnapping has become a major obstacle to freedom of movement, economic activities, agricultural production, and social development,” the party stated.
The DLA further revealed that its members in several parts of the country, especially rural communities, have been directly affected by the worsening insecurity.
“Members of our Party across the country, particularly those in rural communities, have become direct victims of this unfortunate reality. Farmers are abandoning their farms, businesses are relocating, families are living under constant fear, and communities are increasingly vulnerable to criminal elements,” it said.
The party argued that kidnapping has evolved into a major national threat that transcends conventional security concerns.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance believes that kidnapping has evolved beyond a mere security challenge and now constitutes a serious threat to national development and the survival of many communities. The growing boldness of kidnappers and criminal gangs raises legitimate concerns about the effectiveness of current government strategies.”
While calling for stronger security interventions, the DLA stressed that a sustainable solution must address the broader socio-economic and institutional factors fueling criminality.
“We maintain that the solution to kidnapping cannot be limited to security deployments alone. Government must address the economic conditions that fuel criminality, strengthen intelligence gathering, tackle corruption within public institutions, improve security coordination, deploy modern surveillance technology, and ensure swift prosecution of criminal offenders and their sponsors,” the statement noted.
The party lamented what it described as the continued suffering of Nigerians under the combined pressures of insecurity and economic hardship.
“The continued suffering of Nigerians under the weight of kidnapping, poverty, and economic hardship demands urgent and decisive action. The current situation leaves many citizens wondering whether enough is being done to secure lives and property.”
Despite its criticism of the government’s handling of the situation, the DLA said it remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at improving national security.
“As a responsible political party committed to nation-building, the Democratic Leadership Alliance remains willing to provide constructive policy
recommendations and technical support in the national interest,” the party said.
The opposition party specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action by declaring kidnapping a national emergency.
“We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare the kidnapping epidemic a national emergency and immediately activate stronger policies and coordinated actions capable of reversing the current trend.”
The statement announced a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding visible and measurable steps to restore public confidence in the nation’s security framework.
“Accordingly, the Democratic Leadership Alliance hereby issues a 14-day notice to the Federal Government to unveil and commence the implementation of practical and measurable actions aimed specifically at reducing kidnapping and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.”
The party warned that failure by the government to demonstrate meaningful progress within the stipulated period would trigger further democratic actions.
“Failure to demonstrate meaningful progress within this period will compel the Party to pursue lawful democratic measures, including public advocacy, strategic engagement with national and international stakeholders, and legal actions where necessary to draw attention to the plight of Nigerians and the urgent need for government intervention.”
Reaffirming its position, the DLA maintained that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government and urged authorities to act swiftly before the security situation deteriorates further.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this dangerous path. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and Nigerians deserve to live without fear of abduction, ransom demands, or violent criminal attacks.”
The party concluded by expressing solidarity with victims of kidnapping and their families, pledging continued advocacy for practical measures to enhance safety and security nationwide.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance stands firmly with victims of kidnapping and their families and remains committed to advancing practical solutions for a safer and more secure Nigeria.”
This post has already been read at least 11154 times!
About the Author
