Kidnapping has become a dark shadow that trails communities across Nigeria.
From highways to farmlands, schools to city suburbs, families live with the fear that a single phone call could change their lives forever.

Yet, despite government warnings and repeated assurances of improved security, one reality continues to define most hostage situations the payment of ransom. For many victims and their families, it is the thin line between life and death, freedom and captivity.

So today on Nigeria Daily, we ask:

Why do ransom payments remain central to securing the release of kidnap victims in Nigeria  and is there truly any alternative?