By Shariff Aminu Ahlan
The much-talked-about and widely discussed issue currently dominating the Nigerian media landscape is the kidnapping of students in Oyo State. It is a scenario that has raised dust and attracted protests and reactions in different parts of the country, with many calling upon the government to intensify efforts and adopt every necessary measure to ensure that the children and their teachers are rescued and reunited with their families.
The entire nation condemned the kidnapping and called on the government to rise to the occasion and do the needful. Others have continued to shout at the top of their voices that the President must resign for his failure to protect the lives and property of citizens. Opposition elements have also pounced on the incident as they intensify their attacks and propaganda against the government.
One cannot blame anyone for linking responsibility for this heartless act to the misguided Fulani bandits. It is naturally justifiable, as these Fulani bandits are responsible for a large percentage of kidnapping activities taking place mainly in the northern part of the country. To many, it appears that the bandits have finally made inroads into the southern part of the country to continue their devilish activities.
However, the recently published demands of the kidnappers have raised eyebrows and made analysts suspect that something unusual may be behind the entire scenario. The kidnappers are said to have demanded ₦1 billion to be transferred to an account in the Republic of Benin.
What for? Why the sudden twist in kidnapping ransom demands?
The answer, to some observers, appears obvious. Fulani bandits are not known for requesting ransom payments through bank transfers, let alone transfers to the Republic of Benin. They usually deal in cash, and even if they had adopted a new method involving bank transfers—which would be riskier and more likely to expose them—why choose Benin Republic instead of Niger Republic or even Cameroon?
In their second demand, they reportedly requested two Hilux vehicles. Funny! What do Fulani bandits have to do with cars, let alone Hilux vehicles? These are people known for traversing hills, forests, and bushy routes. The vehicles, some argue, could be intended for newly programmed foot soldiers in a larger scheme to paint Muslims in a bad light. We shall return to that point later.
They then made what many consider the funniest and most miscalculated demand, one that allegedly exposed the conspiracy. Imagine kidnappers demanding the implementation of Shari’a law in Oyo State. What do ignorant, illiterate, and misguided Fulani bandits have to do with the establishment of Shari’a law? These bandits are not known for religious devotion, let alone for being extremists who would demand the strict implementation of Islamic tenets.
So, why all this?
According to this line of thinking, it is part of a grand plot and high-level conspiracy to tarnish, castigate, and paint Nigerian Muslims negatively in the eyes of the Western world. A kidnapping allegedly orchestrated to convince the world that Muslims are generally terrorists and are planning to Islamize the Nigerian federation. It is viewed as a heartless and dubious plot that adds salt to injury, considering that Muslims themselves have been among the biggest victims of banditry and kidnapping in the country.
As for those recruited to carry out such an operation, their identities may eventually be revealed, especially if reports concerning their alleged partners in crime prove accurate. Unless the plotters orchestrate another scheme to conceal their identities, the truth may ultimately come to light.
God save Muslims.