Paying ransoms to criminal organisations could keep bandit networks running while putting innocent people at risk of further kidnappings, assaults, and trauma, according to the International Human Rights Commission-Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT).
The group demanded that the federal government crack down on kidnappings and bandits by increasing security operations, dismantling bandit networks, and cutting off their funding.
Friday saw a statement from the Nigerian chapter of the International Human Rights Commission-Red Flag expressing its support for Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s stance on the risks of paying ransoms to criminal organisations. The statement was delivered by Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the chapter’s country director.
The group said that the government must act quickly to resolve security concerns since ransom payments could fortify criminal networks.
Organization members pleaded with the federal government to end “bandit networks,” protect “vulnerable communities,” and find “all abducted persons” safely.
“Effective protection of citizens must go hand in hand with refusing to finance criminals,” the statement stated.
Effective security measures to protect lives and prevent new abductions must accompany efforts to discourage ransom payments, according to IHRC-RFT.
“Protecting the lives of Nigerians and restoring lasting peace across the country requires the Federal Government to act decisively in the face of banditry and kidnapping,” the organization stated.