Apex northern socio-cultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has kicked against payment of ransom to secure the release of abduction victims.
The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, however threw it weight behind negotiation with the bandits.
The Forum, however, thanked Nigerians who risked their lives in the delicate negotiating process to free those held hostages by bandits, especially the Greenfield University students.
“We thank God for saving their lives and rejoice with their families both immediate and extended.
“Our only regret is that millions of Naira were alleged to have been paid to the bandits before they granted freedom to the kidnapped students,” the body said.
Continuing, the ACF explained that, as a body, it was against the payment of such ransom, “even though we agree with negotiating with bandits’, appealing to the bandits holding other innocent people to set them free without further delay.
“Whatever may be the grievances of the kidnappers against society, spilling innocent blood will not be a solution” the ACF stated.
