The rescued kids in a group photograph with Abia State Governor Theodore Orji and members of the military

By Vincent UJUMADU, Awka

GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State who is the chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, yesterday reacted to the kidnap of 15 school children in Abia State, promisisng that the governors have renewed the battle against kidnapping in the zone.

In a statement in Awka, Obi called for the immediate release of the innocent children, noting that the abduction of the pupils was an indication that kidnapping was taking another dimension.

“The news of the kidnap of 15 pupils in Aba, Abia State, left all right-thinking people in shock and dismay. Surely, the impunity of the kidnappers has gone beyond all bounds.

“ Their actions stand condemned both in the sight of God and in the court of all decent human beings and time has definitely come to put a stop to the wild excesses of these criminals who thrive in the mindless crime of dislocating society.

“Our solidarity goes to the good people of Abia State, whose governor, Chief Theodore Orji, is doing all in his powers to arrest and reverse the disgraceful behaviour of the kidnappers.

“While we demand the immediate release of the innocent children that were kidnapped, we enjoin the parents, teachers and friends of the pupils to keep their faith in God while countermeasures continue to secure their release.

“We have come to a point where we must reflect seriously on our attitudes as a people. Although kidnapping cannot be justified on any grounds, it is a well_known fact that elsewhere, kidnappers waylaid  foreigners or non-idigenes.

Here in the Igbo country, disgruntled elements have continued to kidnap their kith and kin, subjecting their victims to remorseless torture, starvation, extortion and even death. This cannot continue.

“The Governments of the South East States have, in collaboration with the Federal authorities, been taking all necessary measures to destroy the evil nest of kidnappers in our midst.

“While heightened measures will now be introduced, I must call on all our people across the South East to be even more vigilant,” the governor said.

He reiterated an earlier appeal that people should report all suspicious developments to law_enforcement officers and community leaders, adding that with concerted action, the indefensible trend of kidnapping would be halted.