Kidnapped of Kano kids: Religious or criminal?

Permit me to add my voice on the issue of the abduction of “nine kids”of Kano State origin. The kids after their kidnap were later sold off and converted to a different faith in Onitsha, Anambra State. But before then, let me discuss a pure criminal issue which happened in the past, but was made to look like an “ethnic” or a “religious” issue.

During the saga of Miss Ese Oruru, an indigene of Delta State who was a resident of Bayelsa State and her lover Inusa Dahiru alias “Yellow” an indigene of Kano State who was a tricycle operator in Bayelsa State sometime in 2016, most people then, including some “sections” of the media who were supposed to be professional in handling the issue ignored the”main issue” which, In my thought, was purely a “criminal” one.

Inusa Yellow who was said to be 22-years-old then and his lover Miss Oruru who was said to be 14-yearsold “eloped” to Kano State where she changed her faith in order to marry her lover. The issue then was given a toga of abduction, forced marriage and Islamization agenda by some politicians and ethnic groups using some sections of the media.

On the issue at hand so far, the preliminary investigation of the alleged kidnapped, sold off and later converted to Christianity of “nine kids”of Kano State origin shows that it is “purely” a criminal act. In my view, until further investigation”reveals otherwise”.

The alleged act remains a heineous crime which is totally condemnable. This must not be swept under the carpet. Justice must be properly served to serve as a deterrent to the would be offenders. There must be Justice for the “kids”. Where are the lawyers of conscience for “pro bono” services? Where are Human Rights groups of conscience for advocacy? Where are professional media practitioners? The issue must be given all the attention its deserves for Justice to be served.

However, some sections of the Nigerian media must avoid giving “airtime” or “access”to some unpatriotic Nigerians who often used the “media” to manipulate our people on the basis of religion or ethnicity for their selfish political gains. In my observation, our ethnic or religious diversities is not our problem. Our problems are our “desperate politicians” who “masquerade” as ethnic or religious”crusaders” for their political ambitions.

In my observation, the conduct of some Nigerians on “sensitive issues” which have bearing to our peaceful co-existence in the country leaves much to be desired. These desperate people seize every opportunity to turn things upside down for their selfish gains.

However, the “media” being the fourth estate of the state, must be reminded that whether established by a “Muslim” or “Christian” or an “Animist”or a “Northerner” or a “Southerner”. It has the responsibility of promoting peace, tolerance, Justice, good governance and fairness in the society.

Nurudeen Dauda wrote from Kaduna nurudeendauda24@gmail. com