The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria( CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev Joseph John Hayab, has said it would only be wrong to pay ransom, if the government would secure the people.
CAN was reacting to claims by the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, that payment of ransom for release of kidnap victims amounted to an offence.
Speaking to journalists in Hausa, the minister had alleged that it was the publicity given to the donation gathered to pay ransom for the release of Abuja kidnapped victims that emboldened the terrorists to demand for more.
However, Hayab told Vanguard correspondent in Kaduna yesterday that it was sad that on many occasions “we have reported kidnapped incidences to security agencies but they will advise us to continue to dialogue with the bandits and we keep doing this with no help coming from the security men.
“Those who speak against payment of bandits are saying so because they do not have a first hand experience. When their family member – wife, children, parents or close associate – is a victim, they will understand the pressure those paying ransom do go through.
“No one enjoys paying any dime to bandits but the failure of the government and our security forces to stop this criminality from tormenting and terrorising the people is the reason victims and their families have no option than to pay for their freedom.
“The psychological trauma, both primary and secondary victims, go through is not what you will want to wish his enemy to experience.
”Victims of banditry go through painful torture, humiliation, abuse and all forms of inhumane treatment.
“Our leaders should first provide a good reaction to stop this evil that citizens are going through before coming out to make an unguarded statement that gives the impression that they do not care how people feel.”
Reacting in a similar manner, CAN chairman in Northwest zone, Elder Sunday Oibe, said: ” it was the failure of the state to secure lives and properties of the citizens that has forced the relations of victims to pay ransom to secure lives of the victims.
“If you ask the relations of the victims of their feelings, they are never happy paying such outrageous figures through unfriendly conditions. Many families and individuals have been badly impoverished beyond explanation.”