The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has insisted no ransom was paid for the release of the abducted Kuriga children in Kaduna State.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who briefed State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting, said the victims secured their freedom through the concerted efforts of security agencies in the country.
The minister said, “President Bola Tinubu is determined to end this cycle of payment of ransom to kidnappers. The government believes that this continues to encourage these kidnappers, these criminal elements to perpetrate this act within the Nigerian nation and it is the official position of government as announced here last week that ransom will not be tolerated. Ransom will not be encouraged ransom will not be paid by the government.”
He also reiterated the determination of the current administration to end abductions in the country.
Idris said the Nigerian Armed Forces are upping their game and have developed a new strategy to ensure the security of every Nigerian.
“The security agencies, of course, will not reveal to you their modus operandi, but suffice to say that the security agencies are also upping their game, you know, evolving new strategies of getting out these criminal elements and ensuring that our children or anybody who is kidnapped for that matter, is brought back safely,” the minister said.
Summons Sheikh Gumi
Meanwhile, the minister said Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been invited for questioning over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country.
Idris said Gumi is not above the law, noting that the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning.
Over the past few years, Gumi has gained prominence for his comments on the activities of bandits.
The popular cleric has been pictured with some bandits on many occasions.
Recently, Gumi said said terrorism in the country is not financed by Nigerians but by the terrorists who kidnap people for ransom.
Responding to questions about why the government has not responded to comments made by Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, over the activities of bandits in the country, the minister said government is opened for constructive advice that will assist it tackle the challenge of insecurity in the country.
However, he warned that the Federal Government will not hesitate to deal with anyone found to be making reckless comments capable of exacerbating more security challenges in the country.
