Breaking the news of a kidnapped loved one is an ordeal that no person should ever have to face. With a surge in kidnapping cases in recent years, Nigeria continues to battle with this challenging issue. As a voice within the law enforcement community, I can affirm that the strategy of paying a ransom to demand our countrymen and women back from their captors’ clutches is fundamentally unsustainable. Here’s why.
First, by agreeing to pay a ransom, we inadvertently encourage the kidnapping cycle. Kidnappers receive a payday without real consequences, signaling to other criminals that this form of illicit activity is a profitable endeavor. Let’s take the example of the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping in 2014—an unfortunate event that shook the country to its core. Numerous subsequent kidnappings in the country have emulated this incident after reports typified it as a ‘successful’ operation with ransom payments made.
Secondly, the payment of a ransom does not guarantee the victim’s safe release. The infamous abduction of the Dapchi schoolgirls in February 2018 is a grim reminder of this reality. Despite a large sum paid as ransom, five girls tragically lost their lives, and one is still missing.
Read Also:
Moreover, ransom money often fuels other illicit activities, ultimately destabilizing our society and economy. Investments in law enforcement and crime prevention are more sustainable strategies.
Instead of paying ransoms, we should be focused on bolstering our security infrastructure, both in terms of personnel and technological equipment. This will not only dissuade criminals from engaging in such activities, but it will also provide a solid base for the rescue and recovery of kidnap victims.
Overall, in combating kidnapping in Nigeria, we need comprehensive strategies that target the root causes of crime, rather than short-term fixes that exacerbate the problem. The fight against kidnapping, like any fight against crime, requires the collective effort of all citizens and the government. It involves economic development, quality education, poverty alleviation, and stable governance.
Ultimately, the refusal to pay ransoms should not be viewed as a lack of concern for kidnap victims. Rather, it is a commitment to breaking the vicious kidnapping cycle and establishing a safer environment for everyone. As Nigerians, we must emphasize the importance of life above all else, demonstrating to these criminals that our unity and resoluteness outweigh any ransom they may demand.
