FG: ADC demands explanation over alleged ransom payment for Papari students

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has charged the Federal Government to give full explanation over allegations that it paid N10 billion as ransom for the release of abducted pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State.

The ADC, in a statement, yesterday, said while it welcomed the safe return of all abductees, the alleged ransom payment runs counter to the government’s public stance and is capable of undermining the country’s counter terrorism efforts.

It stated that allegations of ransom payment and release of two Boko Haram commanders in the rescue deal, raises serious concerns about terrorism financing, rule of law, and citizen’s safety.

The opposition party noted that the country cannot claim to discourage ransom payments, “while operating in a manner that, if confirmed, rewards terror networks, incentivises future abductions, and puts more communities at risk.”

The ADC recalled that “shortly after the kidnapped victims were released, the Federal Government as well as the various security agencies denied variously that the government paid any ransom to secure their release. 

“The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, reportedly described ransom payment as ‘one of the worst things’ promoting insecurity in the country. Quite significantly, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, expressly outlaws negotiations and ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists.

“However, what this report would mean is that the government has been doing brisk business with terrorists all along, and passing off ransom payments as rescue operations.”

Consequently, it called on the government “to issue a categorical explanation on whether any ransom, directly or indirectly, was paid in relation to the Papiri abduction, and whether any detainees or captured terror actors were released, exchanged, or otherwise discharged as part of negotiations.

“While the government may be acting under pressure to win short term political gains for bringing kidnapped victims back home, its hypocritical posture on the issue of ransom payments risks confusing citizens and promoting the vicious cycle of kidnapping in the country.

“No serious government will sacrifice national security principles on the altar of political expediency and short term media applause. “