Kidnapping Now Deeply Rooted in Nigeria’s Society — Fayose Raises Alarm

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, describing the situation as unfortunate, regrettable, and now firmly entrenched in the nation’s social fabric.

Fayose made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, June 1, 2026, where he sympathized with victims of recent abductions and their families, while lamenting the long-standing nature of the country’s security challenges.

The former governor extended his condolences to families affected by kidnappings in several parts of the country, including Oyo State and Kwara State, as well as other regions grappling with similar incidents.

“I appreciate this opportunity to be part of this discourse and to let Nigerians know that we are deeply concerned about our citizens who have been kidnapped, whether in Oyo State, Kwara State, or any other part of the country,” Fayose said.

Describing the security situation as persistent and deeply troubling, Fayose noted that insecurity has gradually evolved into a major national crisis over the years.

“It’s unfortunate, it’s sad, it’s regrettable. If you look back, the problem we have on our hands as a nation is an unending one,” he stated.

Reflecting on his time in office, Fayose recalled that the security challenges currently facing the country began subtly before spreading nationwide.

“These problems started like a joke. I was governor up until 2006 during the administration of President Obasanjo. The issues began quietly, but today, they have taken over the fabric of our society,” he said.

According to him, kidnapping has moved beyond isolated criminal acts and has grown into a structured and widespread enterprise.

“It has become a big business. It is now a way of life. May God never allow us to be victims of this unfortunate menace,” Fayose added.

The former governor also referenced reports on the origins of the crisis but was careful not to directly accuse any individual or group.

“It was widely rumored — and I will not allege or mention names — that this started in parts of the North-East, and successive governments made efforts to stop its spread,” he noted.

However, Fayose stressed that despite interventions by different administrations, the problem has continued to escalate.

“Up till now, it has only gotten worse,” he said.

He further observed that public expectations that past governments would decisively tackle the issue were not met.

“There was a time when people believed a former military head of state would be able to handle it. But without judging anyone, the situation was actually worse during the administration of late President Buhari,” Fayose stated.

Fayose warned that the crisis remains unresolved and has been further complicated by religious, ethnic, and societal sentiments.

“Regrettably, this situation remains an ongoing concern without a clear solution. Religion has been introduced into it, ethnicity has been introduced, and too many sentiments have been allowed to cloud the issue,” he said.

He concluded by expressing concern that criminal elements within society have become deeply involved in kidnapping activities.

“The society we live in today has, sadly, become part of this racket and the evil act of kidnapping,” Fayose warned.