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Kidnappings: How crowdfunding for ransom can fuel lawlessness

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A worrying trend – crowdfunding for kidnappers – appears to have become a cause of concern among netizens as people donate large sums to secure the freedom of kidnapped victims.

The topic became a trend on social media following the recent abduction of the Al-Kadriyar sisters where the kidnappers demanded a ransom of 65 million naira. 

 

There is also the case of the Yusuf Aminu family consisting of 15 kids under 14 years old who were all kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna road, resulting in the death of their uncle. 

WuzupNigeria recalls the case of Enegbuya Esther Otegiri, a corps member, who was also kidnapped in Enugu State on her way to Benue, and a 50-million ransom is demanded. 

On these fronts, Nigerians have reportedly donated about two hundred million naira for the three cases of abductees.

Despite the crowdfunding for the release of abductees, the kidnappers killed Najeebah one of Al-Kadriyar’s sisters.

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, through his X account, also disclosed that the kidnapers increased the ransom demand to N100 million for the release of other victims after Najeebah’s death. 

 

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This is just as former Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, said his friend offered N50 million ransom to pay kidnappers for the release of the girls.

 

Netizens have criticized the government for not taking effective action, and there’s a fear that if crowdfunding continues, the cycle of lawlessness will never end. 

Concerns Raised by Netizens

Netizens have expressed several fears and concerns regarding crowdfunding for kidnapped victims which include:

1. Incentivizing Kidnappers

There’s a genuine fear that contributing money to kidnappers through crowdfunding could inadvertently incentivize them to continue their criminal activities. 

The concern is that providing funds might be seen as a reward, encouraging kidnappers to target more victims.

@Aguiyi_II noted “Crowdfunding for kidnapping ransom will be the absolute end of us. Once kidnappers notice this? We are completely finished.”

2. False Claims and Fabricated Kidnappings

Another significant worry is that the availability of crowdfunding for ransom may lead to false claims and fabricated kidnapping stories. 

Some fear that unscrupulous individuals might take advantage of the situation, falsely claiming that their loved ones are in danger to collect money from sympathetic donors.

3. Escalating Ransom Demands

Netizens are concerned that if kidnappers realize there is a steady stream of funds through crowdfunding, they may become more emboldened and increase their ransom demands. 

This escalation could make it financially unsustainable for individuals and communities to respond to every kidnapping incident.

@TomiwaTegbe posted “This crowdfunding is so crazy and scary because what’s to say the kidnappers won’t hold on to the girls and increase the ransom money once they see the speed it took for the public to raise 100m?”

4. Encouraging Full-Time Criminals

There is a fear that if crowdfunding becomes a reliable source of income for kidnappers, more people might be tempted to quit their regular jobs and engage in kidnapping full-time. 

This could lead to an increase in criminal activities and further endanger the general public.

@xygort, tweeted, “I think that once we begin to pay ransom via crowdfunding, there will always be need to pay ransom since the public’s one or two naira never runs dry. And next time, if we hesitate for any reason, then the consequences will be intolerable since we’ve once fed this gnawing hunger”

5. Public Negotiations with Terrorists

The open negotiation with kidnappers on social media platforms is seen as a risky practice.

Netizens worry that such public discussions may embolden criminals and provide them with a platform to make further demands, potentially putting more lives at risk.

@monlee_mane commented ‘…crowdfunding to pay ransom to kidnappers is the same as funding terrorism.’’

6. Government’s Ineffectiveness

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There is frustration and concern about the perceived ineffectiveness of the government in handling the kidnapping crisis. 

Some netizens fear that relying on crowdfunding rather than effective government intervention may contribute to a sense of lawlessness and lack of security.

Amnesty International Nigeria stated “People resorting helplessly to crowdfunding online to pay ransom to ruthless kidnappers is a stain on Nigeria’s image. The Nigerian authorities must restore the people’s confidence in its ability to secure lives and properties”

What is the Police Doing? 

Netizens also call for law enforcement officers to find proper jobs if they can’t protect citizens.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi had urged citizens to remain calm as plans of action to rescue the abducted girls and arrest the bandits were underway.

Adjobi stated, “In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action. The Force Headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrence, as all hands are on deck to rescue the victims.”

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