Gunmen abduct students from Islamic school in Nigeria

Gunmen have struck again in Nigeria, this time abducting over 150 students from the Salihu Tanko Islamic School in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria. The attack comes barely a day after kidnappers released the remaining 14 students from Greenfield University in neighboring Kaduna State. The news of these abductions has sent shockwaves across the region, raising concerns about the safety of students and the overall security situation in the country. Sam Chidoka, the Managing Director and CEO of Kairos Capital, provided insightful analysis on the recent incidents and the broader security challenges facing Nigeria. The release of the Greenfield University students, after reportedly paying a ransom of 180 million Naira, was a moment of relief for their families. However, Chidoka highlighted the economic implications of such ransom payments, noting that some parents had to sell their properties and businesses to secure the release of their children. He emphasized the need for the government to take decisive action to address the rising cases of kidnappings and insecurity, which are not only putting lives at risk but also impacting the economy negatively. The abduction of the students from the Salihu Tanko Islamic School highlights the urgency for improved intelligence gathering and security measures. Chidoka pointed out that the perpetrators of these crimes view them as a business, showing a callous disregard for the well-being of the victims. He stressed the need for enhanced coordination between security agencies and proactive efforts to prevent such incidents from recurring. The conversation shifted to the ongoing war on terror in Nigeria, with recent reports suggesting a leadership change within Boko Haram and the rise of ISWAP (ISIS West Africa Province) as a more formidable threat. Chidoka expressed concerns about the sophistication and international connections of ISWAP, raising doubts about Nigeria's ability to effectively combat this new challenge. He called for international collaboration and strategic measures to counter the evolving tactics of terrorist groups operating in the region. As the discussion turned to Nigeria's economic challenges, particularly the issue of fuel subsidy and remittances to the federal account, Chidoka underscored the urgent need to find a sustainable solution. He critiqued the current subsidy model as unsustainable, emphasizing the importance of phasing out subsidies to reduce the financial burden on the government. Chidoka acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in managing the subsidy issue but warned that temporary measures were not a long-term fix. He urged policymakers to prioritize structural reforms and fiscal discipline to address the root causes of the subsidy dilemma. In conclusion, Sam Chidoka's analysis shed light on the interconnected issues of security, economic stability, and governance facing Nigeria. The recurring incidents of kidnappings, the evolving threats of terrorism, and the fiscal challenges underscore the need for concerted action and strategic planning to safeguard the country's future.