A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), dedicated to fostering the growth of minorities and advancing quality education, Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), has recommended capital punishment for kidnappers.
The group which condemned the incessant kidnapping of school children in the country, stressed that such would 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 country.
It also condemned the recent kidnap of over 280 pupils in Kaduna State and 15 pupils in Sokoto State and demanded for their immediate release.
Dr Arome Salifu, Executive Director of AYGF, said the wanton kidnap is an attack on education and advocated 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, and create a situation where parents would be afraid to send their children to school for fear of attack or kidnap.
It would be recalled that bandits 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 forced their way into the premises of a school in Sokoto village of Gidan Bakuso, in the Northwest, where they fired shots sporadically, causing panic among the pupils.
They are said to have demanded the sum of N1bn as ransom in exchange for the freedom of those kidnapped.
While addressing journalists on Friday, Dr. Salifu recalled that reports have 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, 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 andinternationally, 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 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 government must revisit its Safe School Initiative and review progress made, provide the funding that it reneged on previously and get every stake holder working again to ensure the success of the initiative. We must keep our children safe while in 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 ambits 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,” the group added.
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