FG Rejects Crowdfunding Ransom For Kidnapped Victims, Warn Nigerians

The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned against public crowdfunding to pay ransoms for kidnapped victims, stating that it will only worsen the spate of abductions.

VerseNews reports that the Minister of Defense, Abubakar Badaru, made this announcement after the Federal Executive Council meeting, emphasizing the existing law against the payment of ransom.

The warning comes amid reports that Nigerians have raised over N50 million through crowdfunding to pay the ransom for the remaining five daughters of Mansoor Al-Kadriya, who were abducted in Abuja.

Badaru urged Nigerians to refrain from responding to ransom demands publicly, stating that the government’s position is to starve kidnappers of the profits that drive abductions.

He assured that security agencies are working to track down the bandits responsible for recent kidnappings around the suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory.

“On the case of kidnapping in FCT, Mr President called us and all the service chiefs to discuss this issue. Concerted efforts are being made by security to stop it immediately.

“As you are aware, people are saying FCT, FCT, but these kidnappings happen around the suburbs, specifically in locations bordering Kaduna and Niger.

“This is a result of the ongoing operations in the northwest and some parts of the north-central. The bandits are fleeing and finding shelter in these areas, and security agencies are working diligently to push them out, block their movement, and bring this to a decisive conclusion.

“The president has given us the marching order and all the support that we need and what the security agencies need to end this situation.

“Regarding crowdfunding, we all know there’s an existing law against the payment of ransom. So, it is disheartening to witness people going online and on radio platforms asking for donations to pay ransom. This will only exacerbate the situation; it will not provide any assistance, as evidenced by recent events. Initially, a ransom of N60 million was demanded, and now, due to this funding, I’ve learned that someone has raised N50 million through friends and the media, prompting an increase in the ransom.

“We firmly believe that we have to cease responding to ransom payments. Painful as it may be, we have to stop, as over time, kidnapping will become less profitable, and they will cease. It is not an easy task, but that is the law that you are aware of. Therefore, we urge the public to manage the kidnapping situation intelligently and discreetly because excessive public discourse, especially fundraising through the media, is counterproductive and should be discontinued,” he said.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the recent explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State.