The spokesperson for the Senate has dismissed claims that the Federal Government paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren recently abducted in Kebbi and Niger states.
He gave the clarification on Friday during an interview, amid growing public suspicion over the nature of recent rescue operations.
He stated that, from the National Assembly’s standpoint, the government did not pay ransom to anyone. According to him, any contact with the abductors could take different forms, whether through force or persuasion.
The senator, who represents Ekiti South, maintained that no financial settlement was made, even though a presidential aide had earlier confirmed that security operatives contacted the kidnappers for the release of victims in Kwara.
He explained that communication or negotiation with abductors can happen in various ways, and security agencies are not required to disclose operational details to the public.
His comments come as the country faces a resurgence of school abductions, raising concerns about the government’s approach to tackling kidnapping.
On November 23, the President announced that all 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, had been rescued. The victims were taken on November 18 when gunmen attacked a local church.
On Tuesday, the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, also regained freedom. They had been taken on November 17 after an attack that resulted in the death of an official and the injury of a security guard.
Human rights groups and community leaders have repeatedly argued that the lack of transparency in rescue missions encourages speculation, especially when victims return without evidence of confrontation or arrests.
Responding to concerns that no images or reports of arrested gunmen were released after the recent rescues, the Senate spokesperson warned against assuming that security forces did not confront the abductors.
He explained that criminals often flee when they notice security operatives closing in.
He added that the absence of images of captured kidnappers does not rule out the possibility of serious engagement, noting that abductors frequently abandon their victims when faced with superior firepower.
