Kidnappers deserve death penalty -Foundation advocates

Kidnappers deserve death penalty or capital punishment deter the would-be perpetrators even as the kidnap of school 280 school children and some of their teachers would send a serious signal of discouragement to children becoming interested in attending schools.

A non-governmental organisation operating in guise of the Africa Youth Growth Foundation, AYGF, condemning the resurgence of kidnapping, advised that capital punishment is the way out.

The Foundation, a non-governmental organization which is dedicated to fostering the growth of Minorities and advancing quality Education, said such incessant kidnapping of school children will send a wrong signal to the parents who might become afraid of sending their children to school thereby increasing the number of out of school children in the Nation.

They frowned at the recent kidnapping of over 280 pupils in Kaduna State and 15 pupils in Sokoto State and demanded their immediate release.

Dr Arome Salifu, the Executive Director of AYGF, who said the wanton kidnapping is an attack on Education, advocated for Capital Punishment for kidnappers.

The Executive Director who lamented that the constant kidnapping has become a business and an industry, called on the government to rise up to the occasion and put a stop to it before it gets out of hand where parents will be afraid to send their children to school for fear of attack or being kidnapped.

It could be recalled that the Bandits had reportedly invaded the Kuriga Area of Kaduna State last Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away pupils and Teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State.

They were said to have also forced their way into the premises of a school in Sokoto village of Gidan Bakuso, in the Country’s Northwest, where they fired shots sporadically, waking and causing panic among the pupils.

They are said to have demanded the sum of N1 billion random in exchange for the freedom of the kidnapped persons.

While addressing the media Dr Salifu recalled that report has shown that in the past ten years, Nigeria has witnessed more than 17 mass kidnappings.

He expressed outrage at how porous the security of the nation has become in schools noting, that constant abduction of children will further increase the number of out-of-school children and also cause setbacks for the Education Sector.

“Education is the building block of every society and a fundamental Human Right, as uneducated children can become willing tools in the hands of criminal and terrorist groups.

“AYGF is worried that a Country with strong security apparatus has not been able to figure out the whereabouts of the schoolchildren. We understand the Federal Government has stated in strong terms that it will not condone abductions or kidnapping or any kind of criminality in the country, therefore we urge all relevant security agencies to take very proactive steps to secure the safe release of all the children currently in captivity.

“We cannot allow this to become another Chibok situation. AYGF calls upon all key stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, to intervene and secure the safe return of the kidnapped children.

“We empathize with the families of those affected and reiterate that the security of lives and property should be of utmost priority to our government and its relevant security agencies,” he stated.

As a way out, he recommended a multifaceted approach of swift and coordinated response from security agencies, crisis negotiators; collaboration with local communities who may know the kidnappers’ whereabouts; focus on safe return and addressing the root causes.
“Negotiations must prioritize the safe and unharmed return of the children. We also call for addressing the root causes of these kidnappings, such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and historical grievances in the region.

“Increased security measures and support: implementing security measures in schools and surrounding areas, including strategically placed CCTV cameras and additional security personnel, should be considered.

“AYGF advocates for increased resources and support for vulnerable communities like Chikun, often targeted by kidnappers as well as every community where schools exist.

“The govt must revisit its Safe School initiative and review progress made, provide the funding that it reneged on previously and get every stakeholder working again to ensure the success of the initiative. We must keep our children safe while supporting affected families.

“Emotional and psychological support services must be provided to the families of the abducted children. Clear communication and regular updates from authorities throughout the crisis are essential.

“We demand accountability from Nigerian authorities in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible within the stringent ambit of the law. Transparency should be a guiding principle throughout the investigation, keeping the public informed without jeopardizing the children’s safety and safeguarding against spreading fake news that might create panic and uproar.”