The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has revealed that they paid a ransom of N250 million to secure the release of 121 kidnapped Baptist students in Nigeria. The students were abducted from the Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna state on July 5th, 2021, and were held captive for over a month.

According to the CAN chairman in Kaduna state, Rev. Joseph Hayab, the ransom was paid after negotiations with the kidnappers. He stated that the money was raised through donations from well-meaning individuals and groups who were concerned about the safety and well-being of the kidnapped students.

The payment of such a large ransom to secure the release of the students has raised widespread concern and criticism. Many have argued that paying large ransoms only serves to embolden and empower the bandits, encouraging them to continue their criminal activities. In addition, the payment of ransoms can also finance the purchase of more sophisticated weapons and contribute to the perpetuation of the cycle of violence and insecurity in the country.

In response to the criticism, the CAN chairman defended the decision to pay the ransom, stating that the primary concern was the safety and lives of the kidnapped students. He emphasized that the negotiation and payment of the ransom were done out of a deep sense of responsibility and duty to the students and their families.

The incident highlights the grave security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, where incidents of mass abductions by bandits have become increasingly common. The government has been criticized for its inability to effectively address the issue of insecurity and protect the lives and properties of its citizens.

The payment of ransom by CAN to secure the release of the kidnapped students underscores the desperation and helplessness felt by many in the face of escalating insecurity in the country. It also serves as a call to action for the government to take more decisive and effective measures to address the root causes of insecurity and restore peace and stability to the nation.

The situation also highlights the need for concerted efforts to address the underlying factors that contribute to the prevalence of banditry and other forms of criminality in the country. It is imperative for the government to prioritize the security of its citizens and work towards finding lasting solutions to the crisis of insecurity that continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

In the meantime, the release of the kidnapped students is a source of relief and gratitude for their families and the entire community. It is hoped that they will receive the necessary support and care to help them recover from the trauma of their ordeal and resume their education without further disruption. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to tackle the root causes of insecurity and bring about lasting peace and stability in the country.