Kidnapping. That is one word that was far from the psyche of the average Nigerian a few years ago. This is because it was a phenomenon far removed from the country. The closest anyone could get to at the time was some foreign movies or novels by writers who are from distant shores or those who are quite fertile in their creative imaginations.
It is, however, no longer the same in Nigeria today. Since kidnapping found its way into the list of crimes in the country, it has come to stay. Hardly is there anyone in the society that does not have a relative, friend, associate or any acquaintance who had had an experience close to kidnapping. In fact, countless Nigerians have tasted the terrible pill of kidnapping.
In the past, it used to be an exclusive of the privileged in the society with good “kidnapping values.” Today, it is a different case. The lowly and even children have also become victims.
With the dare devil nature of kidnappers today and their obstinacy despite the spirited efforts of government and law enforcement agencies to nip it in the bud, many would rather love to avert being a victim than having to go through the precarious situation in the hands of those who would keep them away waiting for some ransom.
The question that arose, therefore, is whether indeed one could avoid being kidnapped. To some, it may be impossible to avoid kidnapping, but certainly not a psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr. Oni Fagbohungbe.
In an interview with The Next Edition Dr. Fagbohungbe said “There are signs to note if anyone is trailing one, except if one is not observant. Acting fast against the possible action of the kidnappers could save one.”
According to him, these signs could include receiving calls from some unknown persons; some wanting to visit you either at home or office, asking about your family, children and so on.
His words: “You’ll start receiving calls from wrong numbers. The strange callers would want to know where you are and what you are doing at some point in time.
“You will also notice movement of some strange persons around you. They want to visit you in the office and do things relating to your interest. It is all in the bid to make their interest or intention look genuine..”
Fagbohungbe added that some of the signs to be noticed include “finding another vehicle driving at the same level with you.”
“Another sign that you are being trailed is when some unknown persons come looking for you,” he added.
The psychologist is of the view that once one is conscious of being trailed, one could avoid being kidnapped.
“If you feel you are being trailed, you should drive to the police station or stop in a place where there are many people.
“I’d had cause not to drive home directly,” he said.
Considering the risk children run, he said parents should educate their wards on the possibility of being kidnapped and avoid the pitfalls.
This, he said, could be by avoiding taking sweets and snacks from strangers.
Most importantly, he said, parents should provide their children with what kidnappers could use to lure them.
“Children can be lured with sweets, biscuits and other snacks. So, parents should provide them with snacks.
“They should be educated not to go to places alone. The parents should carve out time for the children.
“Don’t entrust them in the hands of neighbours. Constantly talk to them about incidences of kidnapping, you may have heard. It stays in their memories,” Fagbohungbe said.
For a good appreciation of the increasing rate of kidnappings in the country, the psychologist explained that the crime took firm root because of the strong survival instinct among people in the country, especially, youths.
The instinct, Fagbohunge said, made people go into dangerous ventures as long as it would make them survive, notwithstanding the fact that they had other alternatives.
“The society reinforcement also contributes. What the black man fears most is death, so, kidnappers harp on it to get money. It is made worst by the lackadaisical attitude of the police.
“People don’t want to wait for the police when their people are kidnapped. They prefer to pay the ransom to free their relatives. That serves as a boost for the kidnappers. When the kidnappers get paid, they want to do more.
“Remember that a stimulus that brings pleasure will be maximized while the one that brings pain will be minimized. This means that because they make money from it, they continue to indulge in it,” he said.
He added that the love of material things is the major reason for the increase in the rate of kidnapping in the country.
And for those who are already in the kidnappers ’ den, the psychologist advised: “Co-operate with them. Play along. Buy time. Soon, they will be exhausted. They want their victims to be alive because with him dead, they can’t make the money they are out for,” according to him.
Security tips sourced online also corroborated Fagbohungbe’s positions in tackling issues of kidnapping.
It is pointed out that those with political influence or people that have things to do with recognized western organisations or groups are some of the targets of kidnappers.
Kidnappers are also said to be after business travellers and popular business contractors.
Some of the rules, to avoid being a victim, according to experts, is to avoid being too confident that one could not be kidnapped; avoid being ostentatious; avoid being in lonely places and all alone and avoid being drunk. The tips also included that one should take transport in legitimate places like parks.