Nigeria, June 23 -- In July 2024, I lived through one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. A female member of my family had been kidnapped by armed bandits operating in a remote part of North Central Nigeria. For 72 hours, our family was thrown into confusion, fear, and despair. The kidnappers made repeated demands for ransom and issued threats if we involved security agencies or delayed payment.

Despite the dangers inherent in such a delicate and dangerous mission, and brushing aside appeals that we engage and pay non-family members for the purpose, I volunteered to establish contact with the abductors and deliver the ransom. It was not a decision I took lightly. I am a husband, a grandfather, and a man who values his life. Ye...