I will not pay ransom even if my son is abducted – El-Rufai

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has restated his stance against paying ransom to kidnappers saying he will not succumb even if his son is kidnapped.

The Governor stated this in a radio chat on Friday.

Mr El-Rufai has come under pressure for his stance against negotiation with the bandits operating in the northern region after 39 students were abducted from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Kaduna.

10 students have regained their freedom but parents of the others have vowed to negotiate the release of their students after accusing the state government of not caring enough for the students.

But speaking on Friday, the Governor reiterated his stance and said he had warned his family members to avoid being abducted because he wouldn’t be paying ransom.

“I mean it and I will say it again here. Even if my son is kidnapped, I will rather pray for him to make heaven instead, because I won’t pay any ransom.” he said.

When quizzed on the step the government is taking to rescue the students in captivity, the Governor said the state government will keep exploring those other means until the students are released.