Herdsmen Abduct Abuja Farmer, Demand N10M Ransom As Family Decries Security Failures

 

Abuja’s fragile security structure is under scrutiny after Adetunji Amoo Sulaiman, a prominent farmer, was abducted from his farm by suspected herdsmen on April 19, 2023. The brazen attack has plunged his family into a nightmare of fear and uncertainty, further aggravated by delayed action from security agencies.

Sulaiman’s wife, Widad Omolara, immediately reported the incident to the police but has since been met with what she describes as “agonizing silence.” Speaking with reporters, she voiced her anguish over the apparent lack of urgency:

“It’s been days since my husband was taken. We reported the matter immediately, but there’s been no real action. Every moment of inaction feels like torture,” she lamented.

The kidnappers, armed with chilling threats, have demanded a ransom of ₦10 million to secure Sulaiman’s freedom. For his family, this amount is insurmountable. Widad revealed that previous encounters with armed robbers had also been ignored by authorities, adding to their frustration.

“This is the third time we’ve been attacked—twice by armed robbers and now this kidnapping. Each time, the government has failed to act. How are ordinary citizens supposed to live like this?” she questioned.

Security experts and local leaders have expressed concern over the slow response to such incidents, warning that inaction emboldens criminals. A retired security consultant criticized the lack of coordinated efforts in combating kidnappings, stating, “Delays in response give these criminals the upper hand. A more proactive strategy is urgently needed.”

Community leaders in Gwagwalada, where the incident occurred, echoed these sentiments, calling for an increased security presence. They fear that unresolved cases like Sulaiman’s could further erode public trust in the government’s ability to protect its people.

The Sulaiman family’s ordeal has sparked outrage on social media, with advocacy groups urging the government to act swiftly. “We need immediate intervention, not just for Adetunji but to address the growing insecurity in Nigeria,” a concerned activist posted online.

Widad, overwhelmed by the emotional and financial toll, appealed to the public for help: “We are desperate to bring him home, but we can’t do it alone. Please, we need your support.”

This tragic case is part of a troubling trend of kidnappings across Nigeria, where citizens are increasingly targeted by criminal gangs. Despite repeated promises from the government to prioritize security, many Nigerians remain vulnerable, feeling abandoned in times of crisis.

As the Sulaiman family continues to hold out hope for Adetunji’s safe return, the spotlight remains on Nigeria’s security apparatus, with citizens demanding a swift and effective resolution to this growing menace.