By Frank Momoh
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has accused users of social media platforms of over blowing and exaggeration
out of proportion kidnapping cases in the country.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in New York, United State (US), the VP said kidnapping was not a new phenomenon in the country, adding that federal government is concerned about the menace of armed banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Addressing Nigerians who converged in NY from different parts of that country, he said some of the cases of kidnapping are simply not true anywhere, adding that some are being fuelled by government obviously to discredit the government.
He said: “There are cases of kidnapping, but some of the more dramatic stories that you hear are simply not true.
“Every report of kidnapping, we try to verify and at the end of the day, people just tell you all sorts of stories.
He admitted however the federal government is working in conjunction with states to nip it in the bud using technology.
Osinbajo, assured that federal government is on top of the game to address the menace and that it’s efforts is already yieling results with the recent arrest of perpetrators.
On the lingering banditry in Kebbi, Zamfara and other neighbouring states, he said the fight for control of mining sites and control of land was the major issue.
He said herders and livestock farmers have actually being neglected in terms of support and assistance from government, adding that there is need for private investment to come in to uplift the sector.