KIDNAPPERS ARE NOT GHOSTS, IGP ONOVO WAKE UP!!!

Since the news of the kidnap of four journalists in Abia state broke last Sunday, i have not stopped wondering why this criminal act is yet to be addressed by the authorities. But I am sure that when the son or daughter of Mr. President, Mr. Senate President, the IGP or that of the Abia state governor is kidnapped, the criminals will be fished out with immediate effect! Sad!

It appears kidnapping is gradually becoming one of the 'normal' abnormalities that we have accepted as part of our daily existence in Nigeria

. Soon, 'am afraid, this criminal act will no longer be viewed as criminal just like corruption is not seen as such anymore. Government officials, politicians and corporate organization CEOs dip their hands into the commonwealth of the people with brazen impunity and often times get away with it, kidnapping may also, as it is going now, reach a level where kidnappers will have their companies registered!

What I am still unable to understand is the fact that the Nigeria Police have not deem it fit to collaborate with the telecom companies, especially GSM, to trace the location of the kidnappers of these journalists. I do understand that these companies can track whatever calls made on their networks. For Instance, some Phones display the locations of subscribers as they move around, as long as the phones are on! In fact, somebody made me understand that even if the phone is switched off, they can still track it so long the SIM card is inserted. So, if this is possible, then why wasting time and making fruitless searches. We do watch hollywood films and see how criminals are apprehended through the use of phone calls!

I believe these people are not ghosts. They are humans like us.

If one may ask, how are the negotiations with the kidnappers done? Who drops the ransom money for them to pick? And again, do banks report money transfer in excess of one million naira for individuals or five million for companies, to the Central Bank, as provided by the Money Laundering Act? These guys cannot carry raw cash on the streets, they will deposit it in the banks!

If the banks do this, then suspicious transfers can be traced and those involved questioned.

The government should get serious about fighting this monster of a crime and stop sermonizing on the pages of newspapers and on the airwaves for kidnappers to desist from their criminal activities.

Journalists in Nigeria cannot be classified as belonging to the rich class. They are just doing their jobs in the best way they can despite the harsh condition that prevails everywhere. They are the most poorly paid people in the country. Expecting anything financial from them is like squeezing water from the rock!

Alhaji Wahab, Adolphus Okonkwo, Silva Okereke and Sola Oyeyipo, our hearts are with you!!!