By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Security summit: Tinubu holds crucial meeting with chiefs amid kidnapping surge
President Bola Tinubu is presently engaged in a closed-door session with key security figures at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, addressing the escalating wave of kidnappings across the nation. Tinubu, who left the Transcorp Hilton where he attended a book launch around 3 pm, is conferring with service chiefs, led by Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Others in attendance include Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Heads of various security agencies are also present at the meeting.
This strategic gathering on Tuesday follows a recent surge in kidnapping incidents, with no less than 85 individuals, including travelers and residents, reported abducted by terrorists along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. The tragedy, which occurred between Thursday and Sunday, January 7, 2024, near Katari in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulted in the death of more than four residents.
The latest kidnapping case involved six sisters and their father in Abuja on January 9, 2024. Although the abductors released their father, they demanded a ransom of N60 million for the release of the daughters. Unfortunately, due to insufficient funds raised through public donations, the kidnappers allegedly killed the eldest sister, Najeebah, and left her body along the Abuja-Kaduna Road.
Former Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, confirmed Najeebah’s death and expressed his condolences. Meanwhile, First Lady, Remi Tinubu, in a statement on Monday, urged security agencies to intensify efforts in rescuing the remaining five sisters still held captive.
In the security summit, the President, in collaboration with security chiefs, is expected to review the current security situation and strategize on effective measures to address the escalating kidnapping challenges.