SMEF Urges Makinde To Reject Kidnappers’ Demands, Warns Against Negotiating State Authority

The convener of the Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum (SMEF), Prince Dan Olaitan Dada, has urged the Oyo State Government and security agencies to reject reported demands by kidnappers holding victims in the state, warning that conceding to such conditions would weaken state authority and encourage further criminal activity.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Dada described the alleged demands, which reportedly include a ₦1 billion ransom payment into a Benin Republic account, the release of inmates from Agodi and Abolongo prisons, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and amendment of state laws, as an assault on the sovereignty of Nigeria.

He said the demands amounted to “extortion and legislative blackmail,” rather than genuine negotiation with authorities.

“The security and welfare of the people remain the primary responsibility of government as provided in the Constitution. When criminals begin dictating legislation and prison policies, the authority of the state is under direct threat,” he said.

Dada stressed that while government must prioritise the safe rescue of victims, it must not make concessions capable of strengthening criminal networks or emboldening kidnappers.

He warned that paying ransom would finance further criminal operations, while releasing convicted offenders would endanger public safety.

“Giving criminals vehicles and altering laws under duress sends a dangerous message that kidnapping pays and that criminal gangs can influence public policy through violence,” he stated.

The SMEF convener noted that ransom payments have repeatedly failed to stop the rising wave of abductions across the country.

While acknowledging the importance of negotiation in some security situations, he said such engagement should focus strictly on securing the unconditional release of victims and the arrest of perpetrators.

Dada urged Governor Seyi Makinde, to adopt a firm but strategic approach by strengthening intelligence-led operations and improving inter-agency coordination to secure the release of abducted persons.

He also proposed a four-point strategy to address kidnapping, including a strict no-ransom policy, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, establishment of a victim support fund, and stronger anti-kidnapping legislation.

He called on community leaders, religious bodies, youth groups, and traditional institutions to support security efforts through intelligence sharing and vigilance.

“A kidnapped Nigerian is neither APC nor PDP; he is simply Nigerian. Criminals thrive where communities are silent and divided,” he said.

Dada further urged political leaders and security agencies to prioritise national security over political considerations, insisting that yielding to kidnappers’ demands would set a dangerous precedent.

He expressed optimism that victims in Oyo State and other parts of the country would be safely rescued, while reaffirming SMEF’s support for efforts aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice.