THE Joint Task Force (JTF) in Rivers State has warned the management of the Integrated Logistics Services Ltd (INTELS) against paying ransom to militants.
The militants abducted its Finance Manager, Mr. Betram Ajoku, last Thursday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The JTF gave the warning just as Governor Chibuike Amaechi insisted that his administration will not slow down in the fight against criminality and militancy.
The governor has urged the military to rid the state of criminals.
Amaechi gave the charge at a workshop in the state capital just as the JTF warned corporate organisations and individuals to desist from paying ransom.
Spokesman for the JTF, Lt. – Col. Sagir Musa, told The Nation yesterday that the security outfit was opposed to paying ransom.
‘’What we, at the JTF, need is adequate information to assist us in our operations. Ransom payment encourages kidnappers to go ahead with their unwholesome activities, ‘’Lt.-Col Musa said.
But to secure Ajoku’s release, his abductors are asking for a N500 million ransom.
He was kidnapped in front of his gate on his way from work.
Although the finance chief was not hurt during the operation, his driver was shot thrice. The hoodlums were dressed in mobile police uniform. They also riddled his Honda car with bullets before fleeing with their victim.
A source said the abductors established contact with his wife, Mercy on Sunday night and demanded the N500 million.
The kidnappers asked Mercy to liaise with her husband’s company for the payment.
Also yesterday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Magnus Abe, said the Amaechi administration supports the JTF.
A statement issued yesterday in Port Harcourt, quoted the SSG as saying after a careful review of the security situation, the state government, ‘’wishes to commend the current efforts of the JTF in the process of restoring law and order in the state.
‘’Close watchers of the security situation in the Niger Delta over the past five years will acknowledge that insecurity has caused great hardship and suffering in the area.’’
He blamed the loss of jobs, social life and amenities on insecurity.
‘’We must all recall that the Niger Delta struggle did not start with our generation. Our fathers before us started the struggle even before the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta. They were visionary enough to keep the struggle alive, and at the same time provide a future for us as their children. The struggle has come a long way.
“Today, the Niger Delta is one of the 7-point agenda of the Yar’Adua administration. It is, therefore, completely illogical to use the struggle as an excuse to destroy our communities and the future of our children at this time. The stand of the Rivers State government, therefore, is that the Nigerian Nation and its security apparatus can no longer afford to fold their arms and watch common criminals destroy our treasured heritage.
“Leadership is about the future. It is clear that allowing sustained criminality in our state will enthrone anarchy and mortgage the future of our people. We, therefore, appeal, once again, to all those living outside the law, to peacefully surrender their arms in their own interest and return to normal life. Rivers State must move forward. The Rivers State government has put in place several programmes for the rehabilitation of those affected, including the most expansive scholarship scheme in the history of our state.”
The statement added: “The JTF must be supported by all well-meaning citizens of Rivers State, to quickly and effectively restore law and order to all nooks and crannies of our dear state. All persons living and doing business in Rivers State must be able to go about without let or hindrance.
“We urge those who may think otherwise, to look to the future and ask themselves, if they will like to see their children grow up in a stable, peaceful, prosperous and secure society.
“That is the society we are determined to build.’’