Port Harcourt—The Special Adviser on youth matters to the interim administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Engr. Udengs Eradiri has condemned the abduction of an expatriate with the construction company handling the Igbedi road project in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area, Bayelsa State.
In a statement obtained by mangrovepen.ng, Eradiri stated that it is saddening that youths have resorted to abducting construction workers working for the development of the state.
According to him, youths cannot complain of underdevelopment and in turn, create a hostile environment for development to thrive.
Eradiri, however, commended the swift response of the security officials who rescued the kidnapped construction worker and urged the government to encourage them by rewarding their efforts.
His words, “So sad that our youths will resort to kidnapping construction workers building roads and infrastructure we desperately need in the Niger Delta.
“I condemn in strong terms the incident of kidnap at Igbedi, Bayelsa state, of construction workers and any other related incident of such evil and criminal acts in the region and Nigeria, we cannot complain about underdevelopment and in the same vein create a hostile environment for development.
“I use this medium to commend the gallant security personnel for the exceptional bravery and gallantry that led to the rescue of the victims.
“I urge the government to reward the soldiers involved and encourage security forces with the required equipment and better welfare in order for them to carry out their duty of securing lives, property and the society with commitment and dedication.”
Eradiri who is a former national President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) called on youths to desist from criminal activities which put the Niger Delta region in a bad light.
He stressed that the present socio-economic condition of the country is not a justifiable reason to indulge in criminality.
The Niger Delta youth leader also called on government at all levels to engage the youths and redirect their minds away from idleness which is the cradle of crime and criminality.
