SPOTLIGHTS

• Peter Obi warns that kidnappings and ransom demands in foreign currency hurt Nigeria’s economy
• Obi expresses sorrow over the kidnapping of Fouani Company’s managing director and others in Lagos
• He condemns the attack on Dudun Doki village in Sokoto State, where over 10 people were killed
• Obi calls for intensified efforts to combat terrorism and rescue abductees
• He urges the government and security agencies to take stricter actions against insecurity

By Seyi Babalola

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has stated that the use of boats for kidnapping and the demand for ransoms in foreign currency are hurting the country’s economy.

This comes as he expressed sadness over the kidnapping of Mohamed Fouani, managing director of Fouani Company, and three other Lebanese in Lagos.

In a tweet on his X account on Sunday, Obi lamented that insecurity had continued to rage throughout the country, generating significant economic instability and jeopardizing national life.

He also criticized the alleged attack on Dudun Doki village in Gwadabawa local government area of Sokoto State, where gunmen murdered over 10 persons and kidnapped many others.

The former Anambra State governor stated that the country must work to put a stop to terror acts and the resulting loss of life.

“Again, insecurity has continued to rage through the country, causing severe economic instability and threatening our national existence.

“I was saddened to hear about the kidnap of the Managing Director of Fouani Company, Mohamed Fouani, alongside other three Lebanese, in Lagos.

“The use of boats for kidnap, and demand for ransoms in foreign currency, marks a new and more ugly dimension to the heightened insecurity we are combatting with and have worsening socio-economic implications.

“Similarly, today, which is supposed to be a holy day, it was also reported that gunmen attacked Dudun Doki village of Gwadabawa local government area of Sokoto State, killing over ten people and abducting many.

“We must strive to put an end to these terror attacks and the attendant loss of lives. I continue to urge that more concerted efforts be made to safely rescue Mr Fouani and other many abductees, from the hands of their captors.

“I also encourage the government, and the security agencies, to employ more stringent measures against insecurity in our country. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers for our nation on this day, show us mercy and intervene in our situation,” he said.