By Prince Dan Olaitan Dada
Reports allege kidnappers in Oyo State are demanding ₦1 billion in a Benin Republic account, release of bandits from Agodi and Abolongo Prisons, two Hilux vehicles, and amendment of state laws. These are not demands. They are blackmail against the Nigerian state.
Section 14(2)b of our Constitution says “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” That duty cannot be negotiated away. Paying ransom funds more weapons. Releasing convicts returns trained killers to our highways. Amending laws under threat means criminals, not the House of Assembly, now legislate.
We saw this pattern in Kwara’s Omugo community where ₦20 million ransom was paid yet 5 of 8 captives died in custody. Ransom does not end kidnapping. It grows it into an industry.
Governor Seyi Makinde must be firm, humane, and strategic. Firm in rejecting ransom, prisoner swaps, and legislative blackmail. Humane by prioritizing intelligence-led rescue and support for victims’ families. Strategic by deepening coordination between Amotekun, police, DSS, army and community vigilantes.
SMEF’s position is clear: negotiate only on surrender terms. “Release all victims unconditionally, drop arms, surrender, face justice.” No money. No vehicles. No law amendments under duress.
Citizens must also do their part: share verified intelligence with security agencies and reject the politics of tragedy. A kidnapped Nigerian is not APC or PDP. He is simply Nigerian.
Lives before politics. State before blackmail. That is the only path to sanity.
Prince Dan Olaitan Dada is the Convener/Founder, Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum SMEF sanitymultieffortsforum@gmail.com | 08111963351
