Not negotiating with terrorists had been Israel’s official policy since the 1970s when several terrorist groups targeted its citizens, airlines, businesses etc. The State Security apparatus, MOSSAD, had always been able to pull off dramatic rescues and to eliminate the attackers. The capability is still there. Indeed, MOSSAD has created the reputation that, given sufficient time, it will eventually rescue all hostages – wherever they might be held.
Banditry and kidnapping did not start in the North in our recent history since 1999. Militants of the Niger Delta started it; they were met with Joint Task Force, JTF, federal might, which failed to solve the problem despite losses of lives and properties destroyed. Not negotiating with terrorists was Federal Government policy under Obasanjo. President Yar’Adua mounted the saddle and called the troops back.
BH members were Northerners and Muslims; the FG was headed by a Southerner and Christian. Despite the fact that the vast majority of the victims were Northerners and Muslims, BH members were protected by their communities against government forces. Many acted as informants and some of the soldiers were disloyal.
President Tinubu has taken a stand – his government will not pay. Several questions arise immediately. Would he have made the same decision if his children were among the hostages? How will he feel if the decision to refuse paying ransom results in the slaughter of all the kids; given the other principle that governments are instituted to protect the lives of the all the people? Meanwhile, several Northern leaders have canvassed for negotiating with the kidnappers and paying the ransom agreed.