Sola Ojo, Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday called for a new strategy to curb renewed bloody kidnapping along Kaduna-Abuja dual carriage.
CAN Chairman in Kaduna State Rev Joseph John Hayab, said in a statement that the increasing insecurity on Kaduna-Abuja road has reached a frightening level, therefore, requires urgent and pragmatic action by government at all levels.
Without a doubt, he said, citizens were no longer safe to travel on Nigerian roads, especially Kaduna-Abuja road due to the terror of bandits and kidnappers on that road.
‘While we have heard from the government the efforts made to stop these evil men and women from terrifying travellers, it appears the steps are not yielding the desired outcomes.
‘It is based on the current realities that CAN appeal for a new and community inclusive strategy to defeat the mindless folks who have turned a once busy road to a den of kidnappers making motorists and travellers shiver at the mention of Kaduna-Abuja road.
‘CAN call on the government to seek collaboration from every known retired security personnel for synergy in the fight against banditry.
‘It is a known fact that Kaduna and its environs have many gallant but retired security personnel. The “old guard” as they are often called have good knowledge of war and the use of weapons. They understand gorilla war strategy and could help if they are called upon to collaborate to combat these bandits and kidnappers away from our roads to ease the anxiety of travelling.
‘If such a strategy is adopted, the government could pay the volunteers (verified retired military and other security personnel) some remuneration for accepting to put their lives, once again, on the line for their country.
‘The government and the current serving personnel could work out a modality providing and equipping the volunteers with the needed collaboration to fight against the enemies of Nigerians.
‘The huge amount of resources the government says she spends on security while the serving personnel are overstretched could be remedied by engaging another strategy that could give substantial results.
‘CAN also wish to appeal to all citizens with useful information that could help the personnel combating the menace of kidnappings not to hesitate to assist government and security agencies so that we defeat these bandits and kidnappers once and for all.
‘Our nation cannot be productive if her citizens live in fear. One of the dire consequences of the kidnapping is that many farmers can no longer go to the farm and some may not harvest their crops because farmlands and roads are not safe.
‘Manifestly, the challenge of banditry and kidnapping requires a new strategy and the involvement of all stakeholders. So, we, at CAN, are praying and will continue to pray for divine intervention but our prayers alone will not work if the government does not utilise God’s given wisdom to put the bandits and kidnappers on the run,’ Hayab said.