Ex-S’Eagles Coaches Task Government On Kidnapping

Two-time Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has urged the Federal Government to create job opportunities for the youth to reduce kidnapping in the country

Onigbinde told newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos that it was unfortunate that kidnapping was on the increase, adding that urgent steps were required to tackle the problem.

Reacting to the release of Super Eagles Mikel Obi’s father, Michael, from his abductors in Kano on Monday after 11 days, the FIFA/CAF instructor said that more than 100 people had been victims of kidnapping in Nigeria in the last two years.

“It is quite unfortunate that this is happening to the families of footballers because the kidnappers thought that these boys are paid big money by their clubs.

“But the kidnappers have forgotten that these players also have their private commitments. This case is the fourth involving the footballers.

“A holistic approach is required by the Federal Government. It should look into why this thing is happening.

“But as long as we have graduates of 15 years roaming the streets, it portends a dangerous signal which should not be allowed to continue by the government,” the Modakeke chief advised.

Another former Super Eagles coach, Paul Hamilton, advised the Federal Government to beef up security in the country to reduce the menace of kidnapping.

Hamilton called for the involvement of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other para military outfits to forestall kidnapping.

“The Federal Government should include the civil defence and other para military organisations in the provision of adequate security for Nigerians.

“It is Mikel Obi’s father today. Nobody knows who will be the next victim. As such, security should be beefed up in the country,” Hamilton said.

The former Super Falcons coach flayed the easy access of criminals to army and police uniforms.

“It is very sad that the kidnappers of Michael Obi were found in military uniform and the army did not know how they got them.”