JUST IN: ADC queries Tinubu’s govt over alleged N10bn ransom to release Niger school kids

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the Federal Government to clarify reports alleging that over N10 billion was paid as ransom in the abduction of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, said the party reviewed international media reports claiming that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid ransom and released two senior Boko Haram commanders to secure the victims’ freedom.

The opposition party said while it welcomed the safe return of the abducted pupils and staff, any such arrangement would contradict the government’s public stance against ransom payments.

ADC recalled that after the victims were released, the Federal Government and security agencies denied paying ransom.

The party noted that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, had described ransom payments as “one of the worst things” promoting insecurity in the country.

It added that 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 government has been doing brisk business with terrorists all along and passing off ransom payments as rescue operations,” the statement read.

ADC said allegations of ransom payments at that scale, and the possible release of high-value terror suspects, raise concerns about terrorism financing, the rule of law and citizens’ safety.

“Nigeria 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 party said.

The party asked the Federal 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 were released or exchanged as part of negotiations.

“While government maybe 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,” the party noted.