Apex northern socio-cultural body, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) appealed to bandits, terrorists and other criminals to cease further abductions of Nigerians, saying such activities will not resolve the lingering hardships across the country.

“Whatever may be the grievances of the kidnappers against society, spilling innocent blood will not be a solution” the ACF stated. 

The body also expressed its position around ransom payouts in a statement by its secretary Emmanuel Yawe on Saturday in Kaduna.

The ACF, however, thanked Nigerians who risked their lives in the delicate negotiating process to free those held hostages by bandits, especially the Greenfield University students.

“We thank God for saving their lives and rejoice with their families both immediate and extended,” ACF said. “Our only regret is that millions of Naira were alleged to have been paid to the bandits before they granted freedom to the kidnapped students.”

The ACF explained that, as a body, it was against the payment of such ransom, “even though we agree with negotiating with bandits.”