The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has maintained that the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to secure the release of victims recently kidnapped in Kebbi and Niger states.
Adaramodu made the statement on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, responding to concerns over the lack of visible evidence of confrontations between security forces and kidnappers during recent rescue operations.
The rising frequency of school kidnappings has also intensified debates over the Federal Government’s alleged use of ransom payments, despite repeated denials from officials.
Human rights organisations and community leaders have long argued that opaque rescue operations create room for speculation, especially when victims are released without clear explanations of how they were recoveredBut the senator representing Ekiti South senatorial district believes that negotiations or contact with abductors can take multiple forms, and the public should not expect security agencies to reveal operational details.
“From our side at the National Assembly, we believe the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to anybody.
“If there is any contact with the bandits, there are several types, negative or positive. It can be through force or persuasion,” he said.