The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has advised the Federal and state governments to negotiate with but not pay bandits in a bid to secure the release of abductees.
The apex northern socio-cultural organisation stated this in a Saturday statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe in Kaduna.
ACF said it appreciated the efforts of many Nigerians that risked their lives during nego tiations to secure the release of abductees, especially students of Greenfield University, Kaduna.
The group thanked God for saving their lives and rejoiced with their immediate and extended family.
“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,” Yawe’s statement read in part.
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The group said it was against the payment of such ransom “even though we agree with negotiating with bandits.”
The group urged bandits and other elements still holding innocent people to set them free without delay.
According to ACF, “Whatever may be the grievances of the kidnappers against society, spilling innocent blood will not be a solution.”
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