Obasempire reports that the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), representing various youth bodies in the north, has thrown its weight behind the government’s refusal to engage in talks with bandits.
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Following the kidnapping of 287 students and educators from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in Kaduna State, the AYCF wants no negotiation with the criminals.
Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the President General of AYCF, denounced the abduction and called on security agencies to exert maximum effort to secure the safe release of the students and teachers.
Addressing journalists recently, Shettima expressed shock at the brazenness of the kidnapping and stressed the necessity for the federal government to adhere to established military protocols in securing the release of the abducted individuals without compromise.
“We strongly oppose negotiating with criminals; there should be no dialogue with bandits as it only strengthens their resolve to perpetrate criminal acts,” Shettima asserted.
In response to rumors of the government contemplating hiring a private mediator, Shettima stressed the significance of having faith in the government’s actions and decisions regarding the abduction.
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He reaffirmed AYCF’s trust in the government’s stance against negotiating with criminals.Meanwhile, apprehensions have mounted as 72 hours have elapsed since the abduction with no tangible progress in the rescue efforts for the students and teachers.
He reiterated the pressing nature of the situation, urging the government to uphold its commitment to spare no effort in promptly rescuing the abducted individuals.
Concluding his remarks, the AYCF president called on Nigerians to intensify prayers against the worsening insecurity in the country, particularly the targeting of educational institutions.