ABUJA, Nigeria — Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri said Thursday that kidnapping in Nigeria is not a new phenomenon, but one that has plagued the country for decades and only gained wider attention with the rise of social media.
Omokri, a staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, made the remarks in a Facebook post as a wave of kidnappings swept across Oyo, Borno, Kwara, Kogi and other states. He shared a Daily Times report from 1969 detailing the abduction of a trader in Abeokuta, arguing that the problem has long existed.
“Tuesday, April 8th 1969. This malaise has been with us for decades,” Omokri wrote. “Social media has only made it possible to bring it into the immediate spotlight. Nevertheless, by the grace of God and the joint efforts of all Nigerians, especially our military and paramilitary forces, Nigeria will defeat banditry and terrorism!”
His comments came after armed gunmen stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, abducting 46 people, including 39 students and seven teachers. One teacher was killed during the raid, while another, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in captivity. In Borno State, militants attacked schools in Mussa, Askira-Uba, abducting at least 42 children, some as young as two years old, reportedly using them as human shields.
Kidnapping incidents have also been reported in Kogi and Kwara states, while in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Mrs. Busayo John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, was abducted along with her twin sons.
Reactions to Omokri’s statement spread quickly across social media and political circles. On X, user @NaijaRights wrote: “Kidnapping may not be new, but the scale today is unprecedented. Social media didn’t create it, it exposed government failure.” Another user, @IbadanVoice, added: “History matters, but people are dying now. We need solutions, not nostalgia.”
Policy makers also weighed in. Senator Shehu Sani said: “Yes, kidnapping has been around for decades. But what Nigerians want is action today. The government must prioritize security over rhetoric.”
Civil society groups echoed similar sentiments. Aisha Yesufu, co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, told reporters: “We cannot normalize kidnapping by saying it has always been here. The reality is that children are being taken from schools in 2026. That is unacceptable.”
Stakeholders in education expressed alarm. National Union of Teachers President Audu Amba said: “Teachers cannot continue to work under fear. Whether kidnapping is old or new, the government must act decisively to protect schools.”
Omokri’s remarks highlight the tension between historical perspective and present-day urgency as Nigerians grapple with worsening insecurity and demand stronger government action.
