ACF opposes ransom payment to bandits, backs negotiation

By HASSANA YAKUBU

Apex northern socio-cultural body, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed reservations about paying money to secure the release of abductees.

The body expressed its feelings in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Mr Emmanuel Yawe, on Saturday in Kaduna.

The Forum, however, thanked Nigerians who risked their lives in the delicate negotiating process to free those held hostages by bandits, especially the Greenfield University students.

“We thank God for saving their lives and rejoice with their families both immediate and extended.

“Our only regret is that millions of Naira were alleged to have been paid to the bandits before they granted freedom to the kidnapped students,” the body said.

The ACF explained that, as a body, it was against the payment of such ransom, “even though we agree with negotiating with bandits.”

It, however, appealed to the bandits holding other innocent people to set them free without further delay.

“Whatever may be the grievances of the kidnappers against society, spilling innocent blood will not be a solution” the ACF stated. (NAN)