Abduction Of Former MSSN National President....Fight Kidnapping Like Terrorism, MSSN Tells FG

By Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria || MSSN, Lagos
Click for Full Image Size

The Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSN Lagos) has asked the Federal government not to treat the increasing rate of kidnapping in the country as a cold case.

The Amir (President) of the MSSN in Lagos, Saheed Ashafa, said this in a press release to condemn the abduction of Mallam Muhammed Awwal Maidoki and his family members.

Maidoki, who has been released, was ealier kidnapped together with his wife Ummu-khulsum; younger sister, Hafsatu Maidoki: and his younger brother's wife, Aisha.

Maidoki is a former national president of MSSN and currently the Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakah Commission.

Ashafa lamented that security agencies have abandoned their duties in the country and were more interested in looting the citizens by the roadside.

He said, "This is the effect of bad policing. It is unfortunate that those saddled with the responsibility of protecting us are now more interested in looting us. ‎The rate of kidnapping in this country shows that a major reform is needed in the police force.

"A situation where vehicles get freed when stopped for a search after settling the police shows how porous our security level is; and how humans can be easily moved when abducted in the country.

"A proactive move is needed to end the current rate of kidnapping. Kidnapping must be seriously fought by the current government like terrorism. This is because it is a poisonous gift that may graduate to terrorism act.

"Kidnapping is as dangerous as Ebola and other deadly diseases as it leaves disturbing experiences that are capable of causing psychological disorder in some victims."

The Muslim students' leader said it was disturbing that clerics were rewarded with kidnapping despite their sacrifices for the country's growth.

Ashafa, who urged government at all levels to protect citizens under their jurisdiction, complained that youths unemployment contributed to the dastardly act.

He said, "It is disturbing that some youths could see kidnapping as something worthwhile. This is embarrassing and depressing. Maybe if there are enough jobs, some of the youths wouldn't have engaged in criminal acts; but unemployment should not be a valid justification for anyone to be engaged in kidnapping.

"More painful is the fact that kidnappers are now going after those who spent productive part of their lives to build the society. They impacted positively in the society both physically, mentally and financially but are reaping undeserving and condemnable fruit of kidnapping."

He called on security agencies to ensure the arrest of perpetrators behind the abduction of Mallam Maidoki and his family members.

While recommending stiffer punishment for kidnappers, he said, "It is important for officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to see the arrest of the kidnappers of Maidoki as germane. The growing kidnapping rate calls for review of punishments for kidnappers. Punishing caught culprits severely could discourage others from engaging in the criminal act."

SIGNED:
SAHEED ASHAFA,
Amir (President),
Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria,
Lagos State Area Unit
[email protected]
08173291878
www.mssnlagos.net
www.facebook.com/LagosMSSN www.facebook.com/LagosMSSN