Goodluck Jonathan has commended security agencies for arresting a suspected kidnapper. Speaking during a banquet organised in his honour at Akwa-Ibom State yesterday, Mr Jonathan said the federal government is doing everything to ensure the trend is checked.

Though he did not disclose if the arrest, made yesterday, is related to the kidnapping of journalists in Abia State, Mr. Jonathan said, "Giving the level of the recent security developments in some part of the country, , internal security agencies are been strengthened to enable them cope adequately with this menace".

A gang of kidnappers had taken three officials of the Nigerian Union of Journalists and their driver hostage on Tuesday. The four were kidnapped while returning from the National Executive Council meeting of the NUJ in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N250million.

The crime has been widely condemned and Mr Jonathan promised that the culprits will be made to face the law, when they are caught.

. "Violent crimes like the very case of kidnapping in some part of the country have no place in Nigeria.," the president said.

"That is why we would not hesitate to bring the full force of the law on the perpetrators whoever they may be. We must ensure enduring peace and security if our nation is to witness meaningful growth and development. "

He added that only good leadership can bring development to the country and called on "leaders - political, religious and traditional - to prove themselves to the ideals of selfless leadership and answer the needs of our people."

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