Nigerian singer Ruger has sounded a stark warning about a rise in kidnappings across the country, urging that captured abductors be “eliminated on site” as he voiced fear for travelers ahead of the December festivities.
The artist’s comments — shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account — reflect growing public anxiety over reports that kidnappers are increasingly treating abduction as a business.
Ruger warned that the situation could worsen as millions travel home for the holidays. “I’m scared for people this December.
Kidnapping has become a full time business in some parts of Nigeria and it’s only gonna get worse this festive season,” he wrote, adding that many returning from abroad and other parts of the country will be exposed to violent criminal groups. “These bastards will strike hard.”
The singer’s post drew emotional reactions from fans. One follower said the most terrifying part was that some victims are killed even after ransom is paid: “The part they still kill after been paid scares me the most. God please see us through.” Responding to that concern, Ruger replied, “I don’t want to preach gun violence but for this case, I suggest they should be eliminated on site when caught.”
Ruger’s blunt prescription joins a louder national debate about how to protect citizens during peak travel periods and how to respond to heavily armed criminal networks.
Security experts and human-rights advocates often warn against extrajudicial responses, arguing that strengthening policing, intelligence-sharing, community vigilance, and legal prosecution are more sustainable — and less legally and morally fraught — solutions.
As Nigerians prepare to travel for the holidays, voices like Ruger’s highlight the fear felt by many families and the urgent need for more effective security measures to curb abductions and protect lives.
