Dr. Daniel Bwala has urged the Federal Government to exercise caution in responding to hostage crises, warning that indiscriminate military bombardments could endanger the lives of kidnapped victims.
Speaking during an interview with Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Bwala said the government’s primary responsibility in abduction cases is to rescue hostages alive. He noted that successful special forces rescue operations are rare worldwide and that most hostage situations require patience, strategic planning and careful negotiation.
“When you have a case of hostage taking, the number one responsibility of government is to rescue them and rescue them alive,” Bwala said, adding that excessive force could jeopardize the safety of those in captivity.
He further argued that the government should not be driven by public pressure or terrorist propaganda into making reckless decisions. Referring to reports of a hostage being beheaded, Bwala said, “Somebody was beheaded; should the government now forcefully begin bombing everywhere looking for them because one person was beheaded and there is a possibility that the rest will be killed? Bring them back alive.”
He maintained that securing the safe return of hostages should take precedence over public criticism or demands for immediate military action.
