Rejig security apparatus to stem kidnapping, NGE admonishes FG

NOTING recent incidences of kidnapping in the country, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the Federal Government to urgently rejig its security apparatus with a view to developing a proactive security strategy to arrest the kidnapping menace.
Making reference to recent abductions of some students and teachers in Lagos, wife of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Margaret Emiefele, and Revered Father John Adeyi, the
guild noted that the failure to arrest the tide was capable of dissuading the entry of investors into the country.
These calls were contained in a communiqué signed by the guild’s President, Funke Egbemode and General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, after its meeting in Adamawa.
In the same vein, the Guild noted the need for the implementation of anti-kidnapping measures and legislations, while saluting state governments who had set up special squads to track and arrest kidnapping.
Furthermore, NGE advocated the strengthening of the justice system to engender speedy prosecution of kidnap suspects.
“The NGE expresses concern over the upsurge in kidnapping across Nigeria, which has unfortunately become a national menace that has negatively impacted on the social and economic life of the country.”
“The Guild notes that attracting foreign investment is a critical factor in reflating the nation’s sagging economy and points out that this will be gravely frustrated by the rising tide of kidnapping as no investor would stake his or her investment in an insecure environment.”
“The guild urges the Federal Government, to, as a matter of urgency, rejig its security apparatchik and develop a pro-active security strategy that will checkmate the menace. It is equally
desirable for the government to urgently evolve anti-kidnapping measures and legislations, in order to combat the current wave of crimes and criminality in Nigeria,” the statement partly read.
The guild further charged security agencies to be alive to their duties, while urging the Federal Government to do all it could to relief Nigerians of current pressures of survival.
“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.”
“In the same vein, the guild urges security agencies to be alive to their responsibility of proving adequate security to the citizens by weeding out from among them the bad elements who have the propensity to aid and abet criminals.”