Senator Yemi Adaramodu has firmly dismissed circulating claims that the Federal Government paid ransom to secure the release of recently abducted schoolchildren in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States.
Official Statement on Rescue Operations
The lawmaker representing Ekiti South in the Senate made this clarification during a Friday interview with journalists. This statement comes amid growing public suspicion about the nature of recent rescue missions conducted by security forces.
Senator Adaramodu emphasized that the National Assembly firmly believes the Federal Government did not make any financial settlement to bandits. He explained that while contacts with kidnappers might occur, they don't necessarily involve monetary transactions.
Details of Recent Kidnapping Incidents
The lawmaker's clarification comes against the backdrop of several high-profile kidnapping cases that were recently resolved:
On November 23, President Bola Tinubu announced the successful rescue of all 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State. The victims were taken on November 18 when bandits attacked a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church in the area.
In another development, 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, regained their freedom on Tuesday. The students were taken on November 17 after bandits killed a school official and injured a security guard during the attack.
Addressing Transparency Concerns
Human rights organizations and community stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding rescue missions. The absence of images or reports showing captured gunmen after recent operations has fueled speculation about possible ransom payments.
Responding to these concerns, Senator Adaramodu cautioned against assuming that security forces didn't engage the abductors. He explained that bandits typically abandon their victims when they sense superior firepower approaching.
"If you have not seen the corpses of abductors or them being handcuffed, that does not negate the possibility of intense confrontation," the Senator stated. "When they sense superior firepower, they run and leave the victims behind."
The lawmaker's comments highlight the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in combating school kidnappings while maintaining public trust in government security operations.
