Adopt broader, non-kinetic approach to tackle insecurity as sickle cell graduate narrates ordeal in kidnappers’ den

As insecurity intensifies, a kidnap victim has called on government to take urgent, decisive action to protect lives and property.

The victim, Joseph Ifechukwu Agbanyin, a 25-year old graduate of software engineering born with sickle cell anemia, called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture as well as adopt a broader, non-kinetic approaches

Agbanyin who stated that the use of force may not be working again to combat insecurity, narrated how he was kidnapped in church with other worshippers at Imeko Ifon and his ordeal when in the kidnappers’ den.

“Am Joseph Ifechukwu Agbanyin. A 25-year old graduate of software engineering born with sickle cell anemia. I was among those that were kidnapped. The kidnappers came in a convoy of three buses. We were about twenty church members kidnapped

“I was in the Church around Imeko Afon area of Ogun State in Nigeria on Sunday, February 23, 2025, when a group of fully armed terrorists invaded our Church. It was a deadly attack that resulted in the death of some Church members worshipping on that day.

While revealing that the bandits took them to an unknown location said “I was released from captivity on the fourth day after the terrorists collected ransom from my parents in which we were warned seriously not to involve any security agent or else we will be “wasted”.

“I was subjected to all forms of torture and dehumanization and since that experience, I have found it difficult to get over the emotional and mental trauma.

However, it is disheartening that the terrorists came to the Church again to launch another attack on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, which also resulted in the abduction of several worshippers.

“Allegedly, could this be a move to wipe, intimidate and subject Christians to mental torture,?.

So, the Nigerian government must as a matter of urgency nip this nefarious activity of the terrorists in the bud because the country has been made unconducive to the people.

According to him, “I will therefore suggest that government should establish, empower, and fund community policing initiatives and raise partnerships between law enforcement agencies and citizens to engage local communities to complement security efforts.

” Through this community members can provide useful information, help prevent crime, identify and arrest offenders operating within their territory.