A former senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Comrade Shehu Sani, has strongly advocated against the payment of ransom to kidnappers, saying it fuels abductions.
Sani was reacting to recent kidnappings where bandits are demanding staggering amount money in exchange for the release of their captives.
For instance, the bandits who abducted 16 residents of Gonin Gora area of Kaduna metropolis are asking for N40 trillion as ransom.
Also, the terrorists who seized over 200 primary and secondary students in Kuriga area of Kaduna state are asking for N1 billion. They gave an ultimatum of 20 days for the payment as at Monday, March 11.
But Sani said while payment of ransom may save some lives, it endangers far greater number in the long run.
He posted via his X handle on Friday; “Payment of Ransom encourages kidnapping in this country.When payment of ransom stops, abduction stops. Ransom feeds the monster of kidnapping. Paying ransom saves some lives and endangers others. But it’s difficult to convince the families of hostages not to pay ransom when the lives of their loved ones are at risk.Bandits and terrorists are thoroughly evil forces that must be annihilated.We must find a way to prevent kidnappings as much as possible.”
