Former Presidential Aide Reno Omokri has voiced strong opposition to the practice of crowdfunding for ransom payments in cases of kidnapping. Omokri contends that this approach exacerbates the issue rather than solving it, likening it to attempting to cure cancer by feeding cancer cells.
Citing an example involving Professor Isa Pantami allegedly raising funds for ransom to bandits, Omokri argues that such actions do not qualify as generosity but rather contribute to the perpetuation of criminal activities. Drawing a parallel to Israel’s response to Hamas kidnappings, he suggests a different strategy for Nigeria.
According to Omokri, Nigeria should evacuate civilians from kidnapping hotspots and employ a military approach to eradicate criminal elements. He proposes a comprehensive offensive, sparing only children, asserting that continuous profitability fuels criminal enterprises.
Advocating against ransom payments, Omokri suggests redirecting crowdfunding efforts towards arming security services and vigilantes. He emphasizes the need for enhanced patrol capabilities, advanced equipment, and intelligence gathering to effectively combat the root causes of kidnapping and banditry in vulnerable communities. The focus, he argues, should be on proactive measures rather than succumbing to criminal demands.