When Insecurity Becomes Persecution: Why Nigeria Feels Powerless Against Bandits

I avoid watching viral clips of Nigerians being tortured by bandits and kidnappers. The footage assaults the senses and leaves me nauseous for days. I prefer reading newspapers or hearing survivors recount their ordeals. Our parents once trusted the state to protect them, surrendering power in a social contract. Corruption, injustice and bigotry hollowed out that trust. Today, bandits rival the government’s monopoly of force and answer to no one. Some groups kidnap for profit. Others destroy for destruction’s sake—true nihilists. Then there are ideological militants who raze the old order to impose their own values. All unleash terror without moral restraint or obligation. Nigeria now lies under siege. Insecurity is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality. Our leaders must rescue those in captivity and secure the rest of us. Until then, not being kidnapped is a privilege few can take for granted.

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