THE DANGERS OF KIDNAPPING AND CULTISM IN NIGERIA: A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

SP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma

Police Public Relations Officer

Enugu State Command

Kidnapping and cultism are two dangerous vices threatening the peace, security, and development of Nigeria. They affect not only young people but also adults, families, businesses, and entire communities. From schools and villages to towns behind workplaces, sorrow and instability. To secure the future of our nation, citizens must understand the dangers and choose better alternatives.

CSP DANIEL NDUBUE, ANIPR, MISM Police Public Relations Officer Enugu State Command

The Dangers of Kidnapping

1. Threat to Human Life and Safety Kidnapping involves forcibly taking people, often for ransom or rituals. Victims are exposed to violence, trauma, and sometimes death, while families go through untold emotional and financial stress.
2. Economic Damage Communities known for kidnapping lose investors, farmers abandon their lands, and local businesses suffer. This worsens poverty and unemployment.
3. National Insecurity Kidnapping gangs operate across states and even link up with armed robbers, terrorists, and bandits. Their activities remain a source of violent threats to human lives and property, as well as weakens trust in government and law enforcement.

The Dangers of Cultism

Cultism began in Nigerian universities but has since spread far beyond. Today, it exists in secondary and even some primary schools, villages, urban neighborhoods, motor parks, and workplaces.

1. Violence and Clashes Cult groups frequently engage in fights that lead to killings, destruction of property, and displacement of people.
2. Recruitment into Crime Members are often drawn into drug abuse, armed robbery, kidnapping, or being used as political thugs.
3. Erosion of Values Cultism promotes greed, lawlessness, and disrespect for authority. It destroys the moral fabric of families and communities.
4. Wasted Potentials Students lose focus on education, workers lose productivity, and communities lose peace when cultism thrives.

Why People Engage in Kidnapping or Cultism

The following are the common reasons why people, especially young persons, engage in kidnapping, cultism and other crimes:

• Poverty and unemployment
• Peer influence and social pressure
• Greed and the love of quick wealth
• Weak law enforcement and corruption
• Breakdown of family and community values.

Positive Alternatives to Crime

To discourage kidnapping and cultism individuals and communities must embrace better options:

1. Education and Skills – Lifelong learning, vocational training, and apprenticeships provide better chances for success than crime.
2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Small businesses, farming, and technology ventures create legal income and jobs.
3. Sports and Creative Arts – Football, music, acting, and other talents can be harnessed for personal and national growth.
4. Community and Religious Involvement – Joining constructive groups like town unions, youth associations, or faith-based fellowships fosters belonging without violence.
5. Digital Opportunities – The internet offers countless legal platforms for freelancing, e-commerce, and online education.
6. Mentorship and Volunteering – Responsible leaders, elders, and professionals should guide younger ones, while individuals should engage in community service to add value to society.

What Must Be Done

To tackle and ameliorate the negative effects of kidnapping, cultism and other crimes in our society, the following must be done:

Families must nurture children with discipline, love, and close monitoring. Schools should intensify sensitization and encourage productive extracurricular activities.

Religious and Community Leaders must use their influence to discourage crime and promote positive values.

Government must create jobs, strengthen law enforcement, and punish offenders without fear or favour.

Citizens must report suspicious activities and refuse to support or shield criminals.

Conclusion

Kidnapping and cultism are not just “youth problems.” They are community and national problems that affect everyone—rich and poor, old and young, rural and urban. They bring fear, death, and backwardness. But there are always better alternatives: education, creativity, business, sports, and community building.

Nigeria can defeat these vices if every citizen takes responsibility—choosing peace over violence, productivity over crime, and values over greed. Together, we can build a nation where safety, justice, and prosperity are guaranteed for all.