Most Nigerians are concerned about kidnappings and attempted kidnappings in their state, the most recent Afrobarometer study shows. The apprehension is widespread among all socio-demographic groups and highest in northern Nigeria.
The study also shows that crime/security is among the three most important problems that Nigerians want their government to address.
Kidnappings by extremists and criminal gangs have plagued Nigeria in recent years, especially in the North. Hundreds of schoolgirls in Zamfara State were kidnapped last Friday, and later released, and about 26 people, including a chief imam, were kidnapped in Niger State on Saturday – the same day that 42 students kidnapped in the same state were ransomed.
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