Tobias Sylvester
Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, one of wives of Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, said she would rather die than pay ransom to kidnappers if she gets abducted.
Mrs El-Rufai stated this on Wednesday while addressing participants of a peace and security training organised by Equal Access International in Kaduna.
According to her, the solution to ending kidnapping is to stop payment of ransom and she’s ready to die in the hands of kidnappers if it will bring peace to the country.
“We must sacrifice to bring this to an end and I am ready to die in the hands of kidnappers if it will bring peace to Nigeria.
“For as long as you continue to pay a ransom, it is like you are adding kerosene to fire, you are giving bandits, kidnappers money for ammunition to continue to haunt you. We should not pay a ransom. this is my personal opinion.
“I have said it before and I will say it again; if I am kidnapped, don’t pay any ransom. Rather pray for me that if it is death, I go in a good way and if I am going to be released that I am not violated.
“As long as we are giving them the money, they will hurt people around, they will not change. Collectively as a country, we have to say no. We cannot continue to give them our hard-earned money to buy weapons and drugs to kill and maim our children.
“If we don’t put a stop to this, they will destroy us all. They will even kidnap the person that takes the ransom to them. You will see that some of them you even give the ransom and they still kill the person, so you have lost twice,” she said.
Commenting on the recent communal clashes in parts of Kaduna state, Aisha urged women to shun divisive narratives created by selfish politicians, and work for the unity of the state.
In his remarks, Maaji Peters, country director of the EAI, said the training was aimed at securing Nigerian communities through the creation of civilian security (CIVSEC), who will make contributions and decisions on issues that affects them and their communities.
KanyiDaily recalls that Governor El-Rufai had also said if his son falls victim of abduction, he will rather pray for him to make heaven than pay any ransom.
