ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has strongly advised against the payment of ransom to secure the release of approximately 280 students and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, who were recently abducted by bandits.
During the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Tinubu, discussions revolved around the country’s security challenges, particularly the alarming incident of over 280 individuals, including students and teachers, being kidnapped in Kaduna State.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for security forces to pursue the kidnappers and rescue the victims without succumbing to any ransom demands.
The abduction, which caused national outrage, occurred in the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where bandits seized the victims after firing shots indiscriminately.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, briefed reporters on the discussions at the FEC meeting, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the government’s firm stance against ransom payments.
Despite the success of security agencies in combating banditry and other criminal activities, the exorbitant ransom demands by the bandits have drawn ire from the government, leading to President Tinubu’s directive.
Notably, controversial cleric Sheik Gumi had advocated for negotiating with terrorists, a position President Tinubu rejected, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards ransom payments.
President Tinubu had promptly mobilized security forces following the abduction, underlining the seriousness of the situation. This incident adds to a series of mass kidnappings in recent years, underscoring the nation’s significant security challenges.
Kidnappings have seen a surge, with reports indicating alarming figures. Meanwhile, ahead of the FEC meeting, President Tinubu swore in 17 commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC), further demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting the nation.
