Rising Kidnappings in Nasarawa: Residents Trapped Indoors as Criminal Gangs Terrorize Communities
Story: written by Myra Chinonso October 1,2025
The wave of kidnappings in Nasarawa State has forced many residents to remain indoors, as fear and uncertainty continue to spread across communities.
Locals allege that criminal informants embedded within neighborhoods keep kidnappers ahead of security forces, frustrating rescue efforts. Families are also reluctant to report cases to authorities after receiving threats from the abductors, who closely monitor victims’ relatives.
One of the latest high-profile incidents involved the children of Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of Nasarawa State High Court 4, abducted from their home at the 500 Housing Estate in Lafia. Negotiations for their release are still ongoing.
In another attack at Nasara Estate, near the Federal University of Lafia, several people were kidnapped, including Mrs. Abiye Amezi, a lecturer at Nasarawa State Polytechnic.
Similarly, in Agyaragu, Obi Local Government Area, gunmen abducted a pastor’s wife, her three-month-old baby, and another church member. They were later freed after ransom was reportedly paid.
Police authorities have confirmed the arrest of two suspects in Doma and Lafia for allegedly issuing abduction threats. According to command spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel, the suspects confessed to extorting ₦7 million from their victims.
Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed concern that political interference is undermining security operations, weakening investigations and emboldening criminal groups.
The worsening insecurity has also created a chilling effect on the press, with journalists increasingly hesitant to report sensitive stories due to fears of being targeted.
