Members of the Middle-Belt Youth Forum are set to protest today in Abuja due to the increasing cases of kidnapping and insecurity in their region.
The protest, led by the forum’s President, Brent Kane, aims to urge the Attorney-General of the Federation to declare kidnappers and bandits as terrorists and put an end to the violence across the country.
The demonstration comes in the aftermath of the military arresting 10 suspected bandits. Unfortunately, 19 abductees from the Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutsen-Alhaji remain in captivity, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of N700m for nine of their victims.
Tragically, four hostages have already been killed, including a 400-level student of Ahmadu Bello University and a 13-year-old girl.
Brent Kane emphasized the need to treat kidnappers and bandits as terrorists, calling for the invocation of Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The Middle-Belt Youth Forum, in collaboration with Africa’s Morning Centre for Public Policy and Good Governance, seeks to compel the government to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
Chima Christian, the Executive Director of Africa’s Morning Centre, stressed the importance of addressing the killings and kidnappings in the middle belt region.
He criticized the government’s apparent indifference to the people’s plight, asserting that it’s time to label kidnappers as terrorists, as stated in the constitution.
In a tragic development, a hotel barman abducted from the Sagwari Estate Layout was reported killed by his captors.
The barman, along with a receptionist from Jutis Hillside Hotel, was taken by gunmen in military uniform.
Three people, including the 13-year-old girl, were murdered last week, raising concerns about the safety of the remaining captives.
The hotel worker disclosed that the kidnappers demanded N30m for the receptionist, with a deadline set for today Wednesday.
Despite efforts to gather the ransom, uncertainty looms over the situation. Five hotel staff resigned in the aftermath of the abduction.
Security measures have been heightened in the Sagwari Estate, with police, Department of State Security, and vigilantes deployed.
The Defence Headquarters reported the arrest of 10 suspected bandits in ongoing operations, emphasizing the military’s commitment to locating and destroying terrorists, creating a safer environment for citizens.
