FG warning falls into deaf ears as abductee families persist with fundraising efforts

The family of abductees has continue to raise funds for their kidnapped families shunning the warning of the Federal government of Nigeria. Recall that some weeks back, the minister of defence, Abubakar Badaru warned the relatives of the victims against paying ransom to kidnappers. Then, the minister emphasized that paying ransom to kidnappers is against the law.

However, despite the warnings, the families of the victims have continued the fund raising exercise. On the flip side, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, through his X (formerly Twitter) page urged the families and Nigerians at large to desist from paying ransom to kidnappers.

Why it may be Difficult for the Families of the Victims not to Pay Ransom

Further, the family of the kidnapped victims justified their action stating that it is the only means of saving their loved ones. In an interview on Sunday, the described how it is difficult to heed warning of the government.

They feared that refusal to pay the ransom might lead to the death of their loved ones. One of the victims, Mohammed Shehu from Zamfara state revealed how he got released after paying 10 million naira to the kidnappers. Additionally, other victims recalled how they got their freedom after paying the ransom.

Likewise, Abbas Al-Kadriyar, an uncle to the Al-Kadriyar girls, stated that “everybody contributed to securing the release of my nieces while they were in captivity.’’ He recalled how the public contributed towards the release of his nieces. In his submission, Abbas Al-Kadriyar revealed how the public intervened after the family couldn’t raise enough money to release his nieces.

Lastly, he argued that the primary objective of the government is to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. He added that if it is well secured, there will be no need for anybody to even go after kidnapping or ask for ransom.”

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