Read what this ex-governor said about kidnapping in Nigeria
– During plenary, the senators deliberated on a eport bordering on kidnapping in Nigeria
– Godswill Akpabio, senate minority leader said when kidnapping started in the Niger Delta, it was not for ransom but a protest
– Ike Ekweremadu, deputy Senate president recounted the experience he had when he was kidnapped about 16 years ago
– Ben Murray Bruce urged the government to take greater steps in curbing kidnapping
Godswill Akpabio, senate minority leader and former governor of Akwa Ibom state, on Wednesday, May 4, said that kidnapping for ransoms started in the southeast of Nigeria.
He said this while making contributions to a report bordering on kidnapping in Nigeria.
The former governor said that kidnapping began in Anambra state where Chris Ngige, former governor of the state, was kidnapped by gunmen.
“When it (kidnapping) started in the Niger Delta it was like a protest, but not for ransom.
“When it started in southeast it was commercialised, most especially in Abia state where people built houses with bunkers under,” he said.
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He commended the efforts of the security agencies responsible for kidnapping and hostage taking.
Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos east senatorial district charged the 8th Senate to come up with proper legislation to allow states enact laws.
He added that there are ongoing kidnappings that have not been reported and steps should be taken to stop that.
However Ike Ekweremadu, deputy Senate president, while making his contributions, gave a recount of his experience with kidnappers.
He said: “On the September 10, 2000 as chief of staff to the then Enugu governor, I was kidnapped and kept for two days. I was released, but no ransom was paid.
“I think there are categories of kidnappers, those who kidnap to make a statement, and those who kidnap for money, which I believe we are talking about.
“We should discourage kidnapping by refusing to pay ransoms. Because from my experience these kidnappers are always in a hurry to get the money and move on.”
Ben Murray Bruce representing Bayelsa east senatorial district also called for the government to take greater steps and the country must bear the consequences for the bad behavior.
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Meanwhile, the report seeks more funding for security agencies and provision of jobs for the youth as a means of eliminating the scourge.
It also recommended that the Senate enact laws to make kidnapping a capital offence.
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