Police Raise Alarm Over Rising Cases of Self-Kidnapping Among Teenagers

The Delta State Police Command has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a disturbing trend among teenagers following the arrest of a 17-year-old senior high school student accused of staging her own kidnapping.

According to the police, the teenager allegedly conspired with her friends to fake her abduction and subsequently extorted a ransom of ₦500,000 from her mother, who reportedly works as a farmer in a rural community to support her family. The incident has sparked widespread debate about youth behavior, peer pressure, and parental supervision.

Speaking on the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, revealed that cases of self-kidnapping are increasingly involving young people between the ages of 15 and 20. He described the development as alarming and indicative of a troubling social shift among adolescents.

“What kind of society are we building if this continues?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention from parents, guardians, and community leaders.

Mr. Edafe disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect admitted she was influenced by peers who had previously engaged in similar criminal acts. She reportedly told investigators that she was persuaded to participate in the scheme alongside three others. The police spokesperson stressed that the growing influence of peer groups on vulnerable teenagers is becoming a significant challenge for law enforcement and families alike.

“Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are,” he remarked, underscoring the powerful role of peer association in shaping young people’s choices and behavior.

The police further indicated that the teenager’s actions not only caused emotional distress to her mother but also imposed severe financial hardship. The ransom allegedly collected represents a substantial sum for a rural farming household, making the incident particularly distressing.

Mr. Edafe used the opportunity to call on parents and guardians to take a more active role in monitoring and guiding their children. He urged families to instill strong moral values and maintain open communication with teenagers to help them resist negative influences.

“Let us raise our children in the way we expect them to grow, so they do not become a burden to their families or to society,” he advised.

The Command noted that the case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness about the consequences of criminal behavior, especially among young people who may underestimate the legal and social repercussions of their actions. Authorities warned that staging a kidnapping is a serious offense that can attract significant penalties under the law.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the police have reiterated their commitment to addressing the emerging trend. They also encouraged community members to report suspicious activities and to work collaboratively with security agencies to curb crime.

The incident has reignited conversations about youth mentorship, responsible parenting, and the broader societal factors influencing adolescent behavior. As authorities continue their probe, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing families and institutions in guiding the next generation toward responsible citizenship.