A recent National Bureau of Statistics report reveals that 614,937 Nigerians were killed, and 2.2 million were kidnapped between May 2023 and April 2024. The alarming surge in violent crime, particularly in the North West, has prompted concerns about the socio-economic factors fueling insecurity in the country.
In a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), a staggering 614,937 Nigerians were reported killed, while 2.2 million were abducted between May 2023 and April 2024. The "Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey 2024" revealed troubling statistics on the nation’s security situation, highlighting a significant surge in violent crime.
The report indicated that the majority of these incidents occurred in rural areas, with the North West leading in both murder and kidnapping cases. The total ransom paid during the period was N2.2 trillion, averaging N2.7 million per kidnapping, with a majority of victims being released, though some were killed or remained captive.
The survey also showed that rural areas experienced the highest rates of motor vehicle theft, while urban residents spent more on security measures. The NBS noted that an increasing number of Nigerians were investing in personal security, with the South East spending the most on security services.
Experts believe the escalating violence is rooted in socio-economic challenges, with the poor suffering the most. Security analyst Abdullahi Garba emphasized the need for the government to address the widening gap between the rich and the poor to reduce these crimes. Despite the alarming statistics, responses from government officials and security agencies have been largely muted.
