Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has raised the alarm over the escalating incidents of kidnapping across Nigeria, revealing that over ₦10 trillion may have been paid as ransom for kidnapped victims last year.
Delivering a poignant address at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Awka, Governor Soludo commended security personnel for their sacrifices, including enduring harsh conditions to protect lives and property.
Citing statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics, Soludo noted that more than ₦2 trillion was officially reported as ransom payments in 2023, adding that many cases went unreported, which could push the actual figure significantly higher.
“Kidnapping for ransom has become the most lucrative business in town,” Soludo lamented.
He criticized the initial support some groups received when they concealed their criminal intentions under the guise of protecting communities from herdsmen. He expressed dismay at how these groups amassed weapons by attacking security personnel and seizing arms.
“We must admit that a large segment of society was complicit, either by silence or inaction. Many failed to condemn these activities, allowing criminals to grow stronger,” the governor said.
Soludo highlighted the sacrifices of security personnel who have lost their lives, not in external wars but while trying to maintain peace within Nigeria. He called for collective action against crime, urging communities to expose criminals who live among them.
“These criminals are not spirits; they are our brothers, children, and neighbors. Security is our collective responsibility,” Soludo said.
The governor announced plans to unveil a comprehensive security strategy for Anambra State, supported by a proposed Homeland Security Law currently before the House of Assembly.
“This law will provide the legal framework to prosecute and eliminate criminal elements effectively. Anambra people must join hands to cleanse our homeland,” he added.
Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of citizen participation, urging individuals to report suspicious activities and contribute to the state’s security efforts.
While commemorating fallen heroes, he stressed the need for proactive measures to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain. “It is not enough to lay wreaths and remember the dead; we must act to prevent needless and senseless deaths in the future,” he concluded.
