Families of at least 176 people abducted by terrorists in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have made a fresh, emotional appeal to the Federal Government and Kwara State Government for the immediate release of their loved ones, who have now spent nearly six months in captivity.
The relatives revealed they successfully raised over N155 million through community crowdfunding to secure the victims’ freedom, but the abductors reportedly rejected the ransom.
In an interview monitored on BBC, Abdul Ibrahim, a native of Kaiama, disclosed that the terrorists threatened to kill some of the hostages and forcibly marry off the “beautiful” female captives if their demands are not met.
He lamented that the affected families have exhausted all options available to them, including peaceful protests, yet their loved ones remain in captivity.
Also speaking, the Dan Sardauna of Kaiama, Suleiman Bukata, called on the Federal Government and security agencies to replicate the successful rescue operation recently carried out in Oyo State. He noted that the swift resolution of the Oyo case has given renewed hope to families in Kaiama, urging authorities to extend the same level of commitment to their situation.
Bukata warned that every additional day the victims spend in the terrorists’ camps increases their risk and exposes them to greater hardship.
Senator Adamu Aliero, while commenting on the broader security challenges in northern Nigeria, acknowledged the worsening wave of insecurity but defended the Federal Government on funding. He stated that the National Assembly has consistently approved budgetary requests for security agencies.
The senator, however, renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that governors need constitutional powers and adequate support to effectively tackle security threats at the local level.
The families are now pleading that urgent and decisive action be taken to bring their loved ones home safely.
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