CLO Criticizes Federal Government and Akwa Ibom Government for Delay in Releasing Kidnapped Corp Members

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Akwa Ibom State has raised objections to the efforts made by the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State government in securing the release of Akwa Ibom corps members who were kidnapped in Zamfara three months ago while en route to Sokoto for their orientation.

In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Godknows Njoku, Vice Chairman, Eridiong Obong, and Assistant Secretary, Idorenyin Sampson, the CLO expressed disappointment that despite three months in captivity, the federal and state governments have not been able to secure the release of the kidnapped victims who were serving their country.

The CLO emphasized that the government possesses the capacity to secure the release of the corps members if they are determined to do so.

The organization called on all levels of government to expedite actions towards the release of the kidnapped corps members. Additionally, it urged the government to improve the security architecture in the country to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals.

The statement by the CLO read, “CLO expresses dissatisfaction with the lackluster efforts made so far by the state government and security agencies in securing the release of the kidnapped victims. The CLO believes that the government has the capacity and capability to ensure the release of these victims who were embarking on a journey to serve their fatherland, and we implore them to do more in order to rescue the victims and their families from physical, psychological, and emotional trauma.”

The CLO further called on the government and security agencies to employ the same strategy and process that led to the release of some of the victims to secure the freedom of the remaining captives, many of whose families have contributed funds towards their release without success.