No ransom paid to secure release of Kebbi, Niger schoolchildren – Senate
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), has dismissed claims that the federal government paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren recently abducted in Kebbi and Niger States. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Adaramodu addressed rising public suspicion over the nature of recent rescue operations, insisting the federal government did not release […]
Yemi Adaramodu
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), has dismissed claims that the federal government paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren recently abducted in Kebbi and Niger States.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Adaramodu addressed rising public suspicion over the nature of recent rescue operations, insisting the federal government did not release any money to the abductors.
The senator’s remarks came as the country confronts a resurgence of mass abductions, particularly involving schoolchildren, raising tough questions about transparency in rescue efforts and the broader national security response.
Civil society groups and affected communities have repeatedly argued that the government’s silence during rescue missions creates room for speculation, especially when victims return home without reports of shootouts, arrests, or recovered weapons.
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Adaramodu’s clarification came amid comments by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, who confirmed that security operatives made contact with bandits during efforts to free victims of the Kwara kidnapping incident.
The senator explained that while security agencies may establish contact with kidnappers, such engagement does not automatically translate to ransom payment, stressing that operational details are often withheld for strategic reasons.
“From our side at the National Assembly, we believe the federal government did not pay any ransom to anybody,” he said.
“If there is any contact with bandits, it can take different forms, forceful, persuasive, or a combination of both,” he added.
Responding to concerns that no footage or evidence of apprehended gunmen accompanied recent rescues, Adaramodu warned against drawing premature conclusions, noting that kidnappers often flee when overpowered.
“If you have not seen the corpses of abductors or them being handcuffed, that does not negate the possibility of intense confrontation. When they sense superior firepower, they abandon the victims and escape,” he added.