Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said the commercialisation of kidnapping has made it almost impossible to end the menace.
He said: “It is now impossible to stop kidnapping in Nigeria. It is now a business. It has been commercialised.”
Wike stated this when Rotary District Governor 9141 Nigeria visited him at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday.
Barrister Wike said since kidnapping is now a business, it can only be reduced to the barest minimum.
“Kidnapping is now a major business. Everyone must partner with the government to ensure that we reduce it to the barest minimum. But it cannot be totally eradicated,” Wike said.
He said that those involved in kidnapping from security reports range from 16 to 22 years.
Governor Wike said: “Look at what is happening across the country. Kidnapping has taken over all states. ”When it started in Rivers State, it was politicized. “But today, it is negatively affecting all states of the Federation.
”Few days ago, a Court of Appeal judge was kidnapped in Benin. Before that, a Federal High Court judge was kidnapped.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Lauds Ghana, Cameroun, Ethiopia, China Participation @ 2019 Trade Fair
”All of us must work together to stop this scourge.”
Governor Wike said the Rotary Nigeria should embark on enlightenment programme to ensure that the youths are educated.
He told the Rotary Nigeria to enlighten the youths on the dangers of cultism and kidnapping.
Wike, therefore said everyone should be conscious of their environment. And take measures to secure themselves since kidnappers use close workers, family members and associates as informants.