A string of attacks, kidnappings and a massacre of unarmed civilians in different theatres is suggestive of a country in the firm grip of organised crime. Despite security presence, some bandits in an unprovoked attack, ransacked Ayati, a settlement in the Ukum local government area in troubled Benue State. The body count rose to 74, including two policemen. On the streets of Abuja, the Police and some members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites) were last Sunday engaged in another bout of violence that claimed two of their personnel while several others were wounded.

But perhaps what depicted the utter lawlessness of the season was visited on the district head of Gatawa in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa. The 74-year-old monarch was abducted on the highway and died last week in bandits captivity. A viral video released earlier of the monarch, with hands and legs tied and clad in blood-stained clothes, was seen appealing to the Sokoto State Government, the Sultanate Council, his relatives and friends to help pay the ransom demanded and secure his release. While we sympathise with the family and the Gobir Emirate, this tragic loss is but a reminder of the growing band of criminals who kill without scruple.

The disturbing surge In abductions and the brutal killing of victims has become increasingly pervasive, prompting some individuals and groups to call on government to declare a state of emergency on kidnapping. Last May bandits abducted over 500 persons, killing five in 50 villages in Zamfara State. Some 30 kidnapped students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, paid N40 million as ransom before they were freed, while the paramount ruler of the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Ogwong Okon Abang, paid the sum of N50 million to secure his freedom from kidnappers. Besides, in the same violent month, three Okomu Oil Palm Company workers in Edo State were killed by armed men, leading to a woeful forecast of likely decline in its revenue in the third quarter of the year. The value placed on human life has diminished to an alarming degree. Kidnapping has become a daily occurrence, with victims often murdered without hesitation, noted leader of the Pyrates Confraternity, Joseph Oteri. This terrifying reality underscores a dangerous societal shift where life is no longer sacred.

The cost of the growing scourge of violent kidnappings for ransom is high. The national economy is again at the receiving end of the escalation in banditry.

The Impact on education is significant. A situation where students are arbitrarily abducted while in schools poses a major threat. There is also the concern about food security as many farmers have neglected their farms for fear of being abducted for ransom or killed. There are other serious problems. After the recent release of the

Managing Director of Fouani Group, Mohamed Fouani, and four others, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) raised concerns that the continuous abduction of company executives could undermine confidence in the Nigerian economy. If the trend is not checked, according to MAN Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, it will erode investor confidence in the economy and further jeopardise the efforts of the present administration.

Last week, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, inaugurated no fewer than 169 officers of the newly established Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other crimes in the country. He noted that the SIS signified a significant advancement in its operational strategy, drawing upon the best practices of globally successful law enforcement models. Nigerians have been treated to all manner of unmet assurances and several of these ˜special squads in the past. We hope that the outcome will be different this time. (THISDAY Editorial)