The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has expressed concern over the upsurge in kidnapping across Nigeria, which has become a national menace that is negatively impacting on the social and economic life of the country.
Rising from its 4th quarterly Standing Committee meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, weekend, the Guild in a communique signed by the president, Funke Egbemode, and secretary, Victoria Ibanga, said the new dimension was portraying the country negatively in the eye of the global community, with the potential of scaring away foreign investors, at a time their contribution was crucial to revamp the country’s ailing economy.
The Guild noted that attracting foreign, direct investment was a critical factor in reflating the nation’s sagging economy, pointing out that this would be gravely frustrated by the rising tide of kidnapping, as no investor would stake his or her investment in an insecure environment.
While citing the abduction of the wife of governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Margaret Emefiele; former Minister, Bagudu Hirse; a senior official of the NNPC, Reverend Father John Adeyi; some students and teachers in Lagos State; a female journalist working in Benue State, Iyuadoo Tor-Agbidye, among others, the Guild noted that kidnapping had, unfortunately, become almost a daily occurrence.
Consequently, the Guild urged the Federal Government to urgently rejig its security apparatchik and develop a pro-active security strategy that would checkmate the menace. “It is equally desirable for the government to urgently evolve anti-kidnapping measures and legislation, in order to combat the current wave of crimes and criminality in Nigeria.
The Guild commended the initiatives of some state governments in setting up special squads with proven records of trailing, tracking and arresting kidnappers and urged other states to take a cue from the success stories. It also recommended the strengthening of the justice system to engender speedy prosecution of kidnap suspects to serve as a deterrent to other criminally-minded persons.
Similarly, the Guild urged security agencies to be alive to their responsibility of providing adequate security to the citizens by weeding out from among them the bad elements who had the propensity to aid and abet criminals. It said: “At this present time, it will serve the government well to do the needful in arresting the rising wave of crimes and criminality, so as to ease the current pressures on the citizens and put the nation back on the path of peace. ‘’Lastly, the Guild appreciates the government and good people of Adamawa State for hosting its fourth quarterly meeting,’’ the NGE stated.
Culled from: Vanguard Newspaper
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