President Bola Tinubu has denounced the heinous actions of kidnappers nationwide, asserting that those engaged in these vile acts should be considered terrorists.
The President made this statement on Tuesday during a Ramadan dinner attended by members of the Federal judiciary, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Asserting the government’s intent to eradicate banditry, the President called out child kidnappers as cowards, lacking the ability to stand up to the Nigerian Armed Forces’ might.
“We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection.
“We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them,’’ the President said.
What you should know
School abductions are an ongoing security challenge in Nigeria’s northern region, especially since the 2014 kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram extremists in Borno state’s Chibok village shocked the world.
Armed gangs have since targeted schools for kidnap ransoms, resulting in at least 1,400 abducted since then.
Two weeks ago, dozens were abducted in a fresh attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The attack was the third mass kidnapping in northern Nigeria this year, when more than 200 people, mostly women and children, were abducted by suspected extremists in Borno state.
Moreover, more than 200 schoolchildren were kidnapped from the Local Government Education Authority School in Kuriga, in Kaduna barely two weeks ago.
However, the Kaduna State Government confirmed the release of the schoolchildren kidnapped from Kuriga in a statement few days ago.
Kidnapping is a terrifying crime that shatters lives and communities. Lately, there's been talk about whether we should view kidnappers as terrorists due to the devastation they cause. Let's delve into this idea, exploring the similarities between kidnapping and terrorism, what it means for the law and society, and if there are better ways to tackle this issue.
Kidnapping is every parent's nightmare – it's the nightmare of being forcibly taken, held against your will, and sometimes harmed. It's a crime that leaves scars long after the physical ordeal ends. Terrorism, on the other hand, is about using fear and violence to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. Kidnapping is often a tactic used by terrorists to sow fear and gain leverage.
The trauma caused by kidnapping and terrorism goes beyond the immediate victims. It affects entire communities, shaking their sense of security and trust. Both kidnappers and terrorists can be driven by political motives or the desire for power. They use similar tactics – like hostage-taking and demands for ransom – to achieve their aims.
Labeling kidnappers as terrorists could have far-reaching consequences. It might mean expanding the definition of terrorism, which could blur the line between legitimate protest and criminal acts. It could also lead to abuses of power and violations of civil liberties, raising questions about fairness and justice.
Instead of jumping to label kidnappers as terrorists, we could explore other ways to address the issue. Strengthening international cooperation and sanctions against perpetrators are viable options. We could also focus on supporting victims, providing them with the help they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
The debate over whether to treat kidnappers as terrorists is a tough one. While it's important to address the devastating impact of kidnapping, we must do so in a way that respects human rights and upholds the rule of law. By exploring alternative approaches and putting victims at the center of our efforts, we can work towards a safer, more just world for everyone.
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