Kaduna-Abuja highway kidnap: IGP orders establishment of police station in Rigana

…As Villagers Claim Bribing Criminals Before Going To Farm
Following the high level of kidnapping and payment of ransom on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Idris Ibrahim, yesterday ordered the establishment of a Police station to be situated within Rigana community, even as villagers claimed bribing criminals before commencing their regular farming and cattle grazing activities.

He stated this during an interactive session with the villagers, saying the Nigeria Police Force was committed to protection of lives and properties and the security of those residing in Rijana was of utmost priority to the force.

The IGP also promised to recruit youths from Rigana into the Police to boost the security of lives and property in the area, adding that this would reduce the level of terrorism, especially on the Kaduna-Abuja highway, once the people are occupied with legitimate job.

While noting that kidnapping on the highway has become an embarrassment, Ibrahim call on vigilance groups in the area to join force with the Police in combating and putting an end to the menace.

“Our coming here was to increase the confidence and support of the people and we want them look at the Police as their friends and try to reduce this element of suspicion, because they have no alternative, since the Nigeria Police Force is the only Police we have in this country.

“They want their children to be recruited into Police and I promised them we are going to do that, but obviously we have to strategise in ensuring that we build a Police station here first.

“I have talked to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police and we are going to make recommendation to the state government and from the appraisal, we can see how we will build a very bigger police station here.

“We are going to post more officers here to man this place, because of the challenges. “Kidnapping has become an embarrassment here, so we have to rebuild the image of people in Rijana. If people ask you where you come from and say you are from Rigana, people will be scared of you.

“So, I want you people to join force and repair the image of the community to put an end to this.”If any community members have information at hand about kidnappers whereabouts in Rijana, they should not hesitate in providing the details, as such information will help in tracking down the kidnappers in their den.

Meanwhile, a source told The Guardian that majority of farmers in Rigana could not afford to go to farm due to fear of been hacked to death, saying that if at all they want to farm without been attacked, they must contribute some money to appease the kidnappers.

“Farmers raise like N200, 000 and above to give the terrorist before having their way safely to their farms.”Worried by the increasing activities of kidnappers along the highway, Ibrahim travelled from Abuja to Kano State by road, stopping at some hot spots, such as Suleja, Zuba, Jere, Rijana and Alheri Camp of the Joint Task Force.