Ekiti: Pay kidnapped victims’ ransom, Muslim youth association tells Gov.Fayemi
The Ekiti State chapter of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, (NACOMYO), has advised the state government to accede the demands of abductors so that victims and their families can have relief.
Ekiti State coordinator of the group, Tajudeen Ahmed, Thursday expressed dismay at the growing rate of kidnappings and other heinous crimes in the state.
He urged the government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives.
He said the call had become necessary because the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
He continued: “One of the most traumatic woes the nation is facing is kidnapping. The roads are laden with kidnappers who are taking advantage of terribly bad portions. This has no doubt made road transportation a risky endeavour in Nigeria.
“In Ekiti State, people are being kidnapped not only on the roads, but from the comfort of their homes and business premises.
“This is a new variant of kidnapping and it is more virulent and catastrophic. People can no longer guarantee their safety even in their homes. There is no safe haven any longer in Ekiti State.
“The kidnap of a retired U.S. military officer, Jide Ijadare, last September at his palm oil factory at Ijan Ekiti during which one person was killed and the kidnap of popular fuel dealer, Sulaimon Akinbami, at his business premises, are examples of the new variant of kidnapping in the state.’’
Mr. Ahmed said in view of the Constitutional provision, governor Kayode Fayemi, should pay the N60 million demanded by the kidnappers of Mr. Akinbami from his Security Vote.
“We equally request the governor to henceforth pay ransom on all kidnap victims from his Security Votes
“In this way, the governor will be living up to the dictates of the Constitution.
“As much as we will continue to pray for the safe and quick release of Akinbami, who is one of the past State Coordinators of NACOMYO, we urge the government to expedite actions towards securing his freedom,’’ Mr. Ahmed added.
NAN
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
