My Views on Paying Ransom in Nigeria for Kidnapped Victims

Kidnapping has become one of the most painful security challenges facing Nigeria today. Each time a victim is taken, families are thrown into fear, confusion, and desperation. 

In such moments, emotions naturally take over, and many people support any action that may bring the victim home safely.

I understand that feeling.

When I first watched a recent video of a kidnapped victim in terrible condition, I was deeply moved. Emotionally, I supported any method that could secure his release.

But after careful reflection, I began to think differently.

The truth is that when dealing with kidnapping, emotions alone cannot guide our decisions. We must focus on practical and long-term solutions that will protect both present and future victims.

If there are no strong and well-planned rescue strategies in place, paying ransom should not be accepted as the answer.

When ransom is paid and the victim is released alive, kidnappers become richer and stronger. That money can be used to buy more weapons, expand their operations, and plan more kidnappings.

The victim may return home, but the larger problem remains unresolved. The cycle simply continues.

Even worse, there are cases where ransom is paid and the victim is still killed, while the criminals escape with the money. In such cases, crime is rewarded, innocent lives are lost, and insecurity deepens.

This is why ransom payment cannot be seen as a lasting solution to kidnapping in Nigeria for now.

If our security agencies are unable to develop effective rescue systems, intelligence operations, and preventive strategies, then Citizens keep raising millions or billions in ransom only reflects weakness in our response to crime.

Nigeria must invest more in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, border control, community policing, and rapid-response rescue operations.

Until our security architecture becomes stronger and more effective, we must continue to question why ransom payments are still treated as a normal option.

Paying ransom may solve one case temporarily, but it often strengthens the system of kidnapping itself.

Nigeria deserves better solutions.

Thank you.

Yohanna Sunday Atiku

Criminologist and Security Expert.

22 April 2026.

Putting the Controversy to Rest: First-Class or not First-Class.

1. The Sun News Paper: confirmed that, Kokko Yake emerges first Gung-Za’ar of newly created Zaar Chiefdom on 27 October 2025 10:11 pm WAT

  

 *The publication continues that* 

".......His emergence followed the provisions of the Zaar Chiefdom Law 2025, which guided the transparent election process....".

This was contained in a press release signed by Khadija Danladi Hassan Kobi, Information Officer, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bauchi State, dated Sunday, October 26, 2025.

2. Zaar Chiefdom:

"....Bauchi Gov Confirms Brigadier General (rtd) Marcus Kokko Yake As First-class Ngum Zaar..." Source: *The Gazelle News.* Updated on October 27, 2025 by Abimbola Ogunaike.

3. The official portal of the Bauchi State Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is *outdated* at the time of my finding. Meaning there are no recent update in the portal.

4. Bauchi Governor Confirms Marcus Yake as First-Class Ngum Zaar, Elevates Zaar Chiefdom. Source : Albarka Radio: published by Muhammad Sani Mu'azu - October 27, 2025.

So let the issue of FIRST CLASS should be put to rest now.

With the little findings I have done both by searching for public record sources and having a private discussion on the matter with some people. I won't comment on this issue again.

I have been convinced that he is a FIRST-CLASS Chief .

Yohanna Sunday Atiku

Criminologist and Security Expert

17 April, 2026.

PUBLIC APOLOGY

My attention has been drawn to reactions following my recent comment which took place on 21/3/2026 and 23/3/2026 on the forthcoming Lim Bisa Day Program 2026. In the interest of peace, unity, and mutual understanding, I wish to apologize as follows:

1. To the Lim Bisa Day Planning Committee: 

I sincerely apologize if my comment or the issues I raised created any form of tension. That was never my intention. My write-up may have been misunderstood as an attack on your efforts, but my true intention was to offer constructive observations on what could be improved.

2. To the Respected Invited Guests:

I humbly apologize to all the invited guests, if my comment may have caused any discomfort or affected your willingness to attend the event. The publication was never meant to create a negative impression, and I regret any misunderstanding it may have caused.

3. To those Who Supported and Believed in My Views:

To everyone who supported and believed in my opinions or views, I sincerely appreciate your solidarity. I apologize if you faced any form of criticism because of this. Please be assured that your perspective was not entirely wrong—constructive criticism should not be mistaken for condemnation. Our shared intention has always been for the good of our community.

My hope is that every step we take should strengthen unity rather than create division, and that our actions today should positively shape the future of our generation.

Finally, the journey toward unity is not for the weak, but for those who truly believe in making peace.

Thank you, and God bless the people of Lim.

Yohanna Sunday Atiku 

Criminologist and Security Expert, 

Yir Gung Mhiri Lim, 

Sole Administrator of Lim Forum.

April 2, 2026.

Lim Forum Political Content Policy Act 2026

LIM FORUM POLITICAL CONTENT POLICY ACT, 2026

Motto: Your Voice, Our Development.

PREAMBLE

This Act is established by Lim Forum to regulate, manage, and guide the publication of paid political content on its platform. It aims to ensure transparency, fairness, neutrality, and responsible political communication in line with ethical and professional standards.

SECTION 1: SCOPE OF APPLICATION

1.1 Accepted Materials

This Act applies to the following political content:

Videos (campaign, advertisement, interviews)

Graphics (flyers, banners and other social media creatives)

Posters (Digital campaign posters)

Audio Jingles (Campaign Messages, endorsements).

1.2 Nature of Content

All submitted materials must be:

Lawful

Respectful

Informative

Relevant to political communication

1.3 Prohibited Content

The following content shall not be accepted:

i. Hate speech or discriminatory content

ii. Incitement to violence or public disorder

iii. False or misleading information

iv. Defamation or character attacks

v. Offensive, explicit, or abusive materials

vi. Unverified allegations or propaganda.

SECTION 2: APPROVAL PROCESS

2.1 Submission Requirements

All political content must be submitted with:

i. Candidate’s full name

ii. Position being contested

iii. Description of content

iv. Sponsor’s contact details

2.2 Review Procedure

All submissions shall undergo a review to ensure:

i. Accuracy of information

ii. Compliance with this Act

iii. Respectful and appropriate language

iv. Alignment with neutrality principles

2.3 Decision Outcomes

Submissions shall be:

i. Approved-Ready for posting 

ii. Rejected-Violates policy 

iii. Returned for correction- Needs correction 

SECTION 3: MEDIA RATES AND SPONSORED VISIBILITY

3.1 Pricing Structure

A. Basic Package: ₦5,000 (24 hours sponsored visibility).

B. Premium Package: ₦10,000 (48 hours sponsored visibility).

3.2 Clarification on Duration

i. The duration applies strictly to sponsored advertisement visibility only.

ii. Posting of content does not expire after the duration.

iii. All posts remain on the platform unless removed under policy violation or special directive.

3.3 Review of Rates

All rates are subject to periodic review by Lim Forum.

SECTION 4: PAYMENT PROVISIONS

4.1 Payment Details

Account Number: 6100820022

Bank: OPay

Account Name: Fry Chip Ventures.

4.2 Payment Conditions

i. Full payment must be made before publication

ii. Payment confirms approval for posting

iii. Payments are non-refundable after posting

iii. Proof of payment must be submitted at limfactfinder@gmail.com or on WhatsApp +234 8121337023

SECTION 5: MANDATORY DISCLOSURE

5.1 Disclaimer Requirement

All sponsored political content must clearly include:

“SPONSORED POLITICAL CONTENT”.

5.2 Neutrality Clause

Lim Forum shall remain neutral and shall not endorse any political candidate, party, or ideology.

SECTION 6: OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS

6.1 Duration Limitation

i. Applies only to advertisement promotion.

ii. Does not affect the lifespan of posted content.

6.2 Content Format

i. Multiple formats may be submitted

ii. Each format may attract separate charges.

6.3 Revisions

i. Minor edits allowed before publication

ii. Major revisions may attract additional fees.

6.4 Priority Posting

Urgent or express publication may attract additional charges.

SECTION 7: NEUTRALITY AND FAIRNESS

Lim Forum shall:

i. Maintain strict political neutrality

ii. Provide equal opportunity to all candidates

iii. Avoid bias, favoritism, or discrimination

iv. Uphold professionalism and fairness

SECTION 8: ENFORCEMENT

Lim Forum reserves the right to:

i. Reject any content that violates this Act

ii. Remove already published content found in violation

iii. Suspend or restrict access for repeated violations.

SECTION 9: GENERAL PROVISIONS

This Act shall:

i. Serve as the official guideline for all political advertisements.

ii. Be binding on all sponsors and contributors

iii. Be subject to amendment as deemed necessary by Lim Forum without prior notice either written or verbaled.

SECTION 10: CONCLUSION

This Act ensures:

i. Responsible political communication

ii. Transparency in sponsored content

iii. Protection of public interest

iv. Preservation of Lim Forum’s integrity and neutrality

ADOPTION

This Act is hereby adopted as the official Political Content Policy of Lim Forum, 2026.