The popular TV talkshow Berekete Family Reality Radio and TV Talk Magazine narrated how a family was asked to pay N250,000 to the police before they could get any assistance to rescue their loved ones who were held hostage by kidnappers in Mpape, a suburb of Abuja.
According to the presenter who was revealing the information, they managed to raise N100,000, which they offered to the police, hoping that they would swing into action and track down the kidnappers.
However, to their dismay, the police advised them to negotiate directly with the kidnappers and pay whatever ransom they demanded.
The police assured the family that they would pursue the kidnappers after the victims were safely released.
This alleged act by the police reflects the corruption that plagues the country, especially in the face of the rising spate of kidnappings for ransom.
Many Nigerians have lost their lives, properties, and livelihoods to the criminal gangs who operate with impunity and often target vulnerable people.