The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, has described kidnapping in the state as alarming, but stressed the Police’s resolve to check the increasing trend.
At the gathering of security stakeholders and the police command in Rivers State, the concern is the disturbing increase in cases of kidnapping in the South-south and its toll on development in the region.
The Commissioner noted that Nigeria contributes 26 per cent to global cases of kidnapping and 20 incidences are recorded monthly in Rivers State. In his words: “Though kidnapping is a global menace, but the command has so far put up a good fight to reduce the problem by 50 per cent in Rivers State.
He said his major worry when he resumed duty in the state was the scourge of kidnapping and for him, no one is left out in this fight.
According to various guest speakers at the meeting , the situation affects everyone directly or indirectly leaving a trail of fear in the people not knowing who is next, a situation the Deputy Governor of Rivers State,Tele Ikuru, described as an electronic crime driven by politicians.
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Golden Chioma, was recently kidnapped and released after eight days.
Some say beyond campaigns and rhetorics, the fight against the menace of kidnapping in the South-south must be taken more seriously especially as the 2015 governorship elections approach.
