CISLAC, in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) is holding it’s second Multi-Stakeholder Peace and Security Forum in Abuja with the theme “Kidnapping in Nigeria: Overview, Effect, Causes and Possible Solutions”
A statement from CISLAC noted that “Kidnapping has led to the loss of tens of thousands of lives and huge sums of money in Nigeria. Many of the victims of the crime have been killed in the course of their abduction, custody or release. Many more have been injured. This is in addition to huge amounts of money lost to ransom takers. For the victims and their families and friends, the consequences are even more frightful.
“Kidnappers persist because the benefits of their crimes exceed the costs. So the obvious solution is to raise the costs by imposing harsher, surer penalties. The present penalty for kidnapping ranges from one to 20 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment for extreme cases involving, for instance, murder. It is important to also look at the enablers and see what clear recommendations can be preferred as a durable solution.
“Objectives of the meeting:
To develop a practical policy recommendation that would respond to the menace of kidnaping in Nigeria with clear recommendations to various security actors;·
To find clarity on the roles of various actors on preventing and dealing with the emerging and prevalent trend of insecurity.·
To enhance the multi stakeholders’ collaboration for a sustainable security and national stability in Nigeria by 2020.·
To sustain the activities of the platform for continuous dialogue and reverse security threats between state and non-state actors in Nigeria.·”