Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, has maintained his decision not to negotiate with bandits, saying even if his son is kidnapped, he would rather pray that he makes heaven than pay ransom to the kidnappers.
El-Rufai’s statement follows the recent kidnapping of students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 10 of the students have regained freedom while 29 others remain in captivity.
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Speaking during a radio chat on Friday, the Governor said he has warned his family members to be careful to avoid being kidnapped, adding that they (his family members) are aware that he would never pay a ransom for their freedom if they get into the hands of bandits.
“I mean it and I will say it again here. Even if my son is kidnapped, I will rather pray for him to make heaven instead, because I won’t pay any ransom.”
When asked about his administration’s effort to secure the release of the kidnapped students, El-Rufai assured that the government would keep exploring other ways to get them back to their families but stressed that the government is “absolutely not paying ransom.”
© ControlTV 2021.
