The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwatotimi Akeredolu, on Sunday evening stated that with his status, he can no longer be kidnapped; stressing that only those with security convoys are safe from the menace of kidnappers.
Akeredolu, who was speaking during a live TV/Radio programme in the state tagged “Speak With Mr. Governor” revealed that sometimes his convoy has been confronted by suspected kidnappers on Akure-Ilesa-Ibadan highway.
According to him, on those occasions the kidnappers always run into the bush when his security men opened fire.
“I’ve encountered then once or twice as governor.
“My convoy was almost attacked but my security people shot into the air to scare them (kidnappers) to the bush. That’s the advantage we have as governors. It is a serious problem on Akure-Ibadan road.
“I remember, I had to tell my people (convoy) to move. Where ever they are, we confronted them. There’s no need to run away.
“Even at a time of such incidence, my orderly was shaking.
“Even if I walk, they can’t kidnap me. I have passed that stage. They dare not try it.
“It is real that lives of travellers are not safe on the road. On a serious note, kidnapping is not limited to just poor people, but for us with convoys we move easily.
The governor added that, “Armed robbery is fading away and it’s being replaced by kidnapping.
Regarding the menace by armed robbers and kidnappers on Nigerian roads, what are the governments : Federal; States and other local and village officials/governments doing in handling the problems?????So, the Governors and other TOP level officials have their “ SECURITY CONVOYS “! What about the average man and woman business people traveling the same route???? People who can’t afford “personal/private security convoy??? In a nutshell, this kind of situation KILLS the ECONOMY!!!!!! I am very surprised, indeed , TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED, that the Nigerian political leaders have not yet AWAKENED ANY ATTEMPTS to ERADICATE this problem!!!! I am sure ALL WELL-MEANING Nigerians are sick and tired of the menace too!!!