August 19, 2021/CSL Research
The trend of random abductions of citizens in Nigeria, mostly among students across the schools in the Northern region remains unabated. Again, the train recently (two days ago) stopped in Katsina State, as the report emerging from the media stated that some armed men attacked two (2) villages, Tsayau in Jibia local government and Sakkai village of Faskari local government in the state. While the attack of Tsayau took the lives of four and left five others with bodily injuries, a list has emerged comprising of seven students and teachers of Islamiyya school at Sakkai who were abducted with no contact made with their family as of the time we are filing this report.
As hinted, Nigeria has recorded continued cases of kidnappings, killings, and other forms of conflicts. In 2021 alone, we have heard reports of at least four of such events and their instant and potential implications are glaring. From Kankara to Kagara, a theme has persisted, with unprotected school children being the target of the abductors. Beyond this, unprovoked killings that have engulfed Plateau and Benue state in recent months has complicated the already tense atmosphere along the food-producing region of the country. While elevated food prices have moderated in recent months, this might be short-lived if this unabated crisis continues. For context, food inflation as of July 2021 settled at 21.04%, significantly higher than the 5-year average of 16.71%.
We hold that relevant authorities need to intensify efforts at combatting the menace of insecurity in Nigeria. Hence, the battle to restore peace and tranquillity to the country is all or nothing, and that should inform the approach to tackling insecurity going forward. We note that any escalation between July and December along the food producing state could negatively affect the ongoing harvest season and heighten the risk of a surge in food prices.
