Kelechi Kas
Governor Nyesom Wike on Monday said that the commercialisation of kidnapping has made it almost impossible to be eradicated.
Wike said that those involved in kidnapping from security reports range from 16 to 22 years.
He spoke during a Courtesy Visit by Rotary District Governor 9141 Nigeria at the Government House Port Harcourt.
According to him, since kidnapping is now a business, it can only be reduced to the barest minimum.
He said: “It is now impossible to stop a kidnapping in Nigeria. It is now a business. It has been commercialised.
“It is now a major business. Everyone must partner with the government to ensure that we reduce it to the barest minimum. But it cannot be totally eradicated.”
“Look at what is happening across the country. Kidnapping has taken over all states. When it started here, it was politicized.
Also Read: RSHA to question education ministry over non-implementation of Indigenous language law
“But today, it is negatively affecting all states of the Federation. A few days ago, a Court of Appeal judge was kidnapped in Benin. Before that, a Federal High Court judge was kidnapped. All of us must work together to stop this scourge “, he said.
Wike called on Rotary Nigeria to embark on enlightenment programme to ensure that the youths are educated on the dangers of cultism and kidnapping.
He also urged everyone to be conscious of their environment and take measures to secure themselves, since kidnappers use close workers, family members and associates as informants.
He commended Rotary Nigeria for their contributions to the development of Rivers State and assured that the Rivers State Government will continue to partner with them to achieve development goals.
He noted that the Rivers State Government will continue to invest in the security of lives and property, health, education and vital social services.
The District Governor of Rotary International District 9141, Rotarian Nze Anizor said that the Rotary International District 9141 invests about N300million into several humanitarian projects in Rivers State every year.
“Rotary is more inclined to service, rather than complaints. Rotary International is a great partner of Government towards development “, he said.
He noted that Rotary International District 9141 has imported blood equipment worth N30million for the safe transfusion of blood.
