President Tinubu Pledges Massive Educational Measures to Combat Kidnapping, Banditry
By Matthew Eloyi
President Bola Tinubu has declared his commitment to addressing the escalating incidents of kidnapping and banditry in the country through a comprehensive education initiative. The President condemned the recent spate of attacks, describing them as disturbing, ungodly, and sinister.
This assurance was made during a meeting at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday when President Tinubu received a delegation from Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden, an Islamic Movement. The President’s commitment to tackling the security challenges was disclosed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.
Amidst growing concerns over the surge in kidnapping incidents across the nation, President Tinubu emphasized the urgency of a multifaceted approach to the issue. He acknowledged the recent tragic case of Najeebah, a young lady reportedly killed by abductors who had demanded a ransom of N60 million for her release.
While the Nigeria Police Force intensifies efforts to rescue victims and prevent further incidents, President Tinubu asserted that comprehensive education is the key to addressing the underlying issues plaguing the nation. He expressed, “There is no weapon against poverty that is as potent as learning. I can assure you that we are here to change the life of our people.”
President Tinubu highlighted the importance of engaging teachers and educational institutions in a process that aligns with the nation’s future. He stressed that knowledge is fundamental, stating, “Without knowledge, there is nothing to generate hope for mankind.”
The President further underscored the need for updated knowledge through Islamic learning institutions, particularly for youths in Northern Nigeria, to expedite development not only in the region but also across Nigeria and Africa.
In his plea for peace, President Tinubu urged special prayers and proper education for the youth, emphasizing that “Kidnapping and banditry are not the way of God. Shedding each other’s blood is bad. And there can be no development without peace.”
Responding to the President’s commitment, Muhammad Lamine Niass, the leader of Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden, commended Tinubu’s reform initiatives. Niass assured that his movement, known for promoting peace and tolerance, would continue to pray for Nigeria’s peaceful development.