Families of 176 Kidnap Victims Renew Appeal as Terrorists Issue Fresh Threats
Families of at least 176 people abducted by terrorists in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have renewed their appeal to the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to secure the release of their loved ones after nearly six months in captivity.
The families alleged that the abductors have threatened to marry some of the female captives they described as “beautiful” and kill the remaining hostages if their demands are not met.
Speaking during an interview monitored on the BBC Hausa Service, a Kaiama resident, Abdul Ibrahim, said the affected communities had raised more than ₦155 million through crowdfunding in a desperate attempt to secure the victims’ freedom, but the terrorists allegedly rejected the ransom.
“We have done everything within our means. The money was raised, yet our people have not been released. Their suffering continues, and families are living in agony,” he said.
According to him, peaceful protests organised by the community have also failed to attract the level of government intervention they had hoped for.
Also speaking, the Dan Sardaukin Kaiama, Suleiman Bukata, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to replicate the recent rescue operation that freed kidnapped victims in Oyo State by carrying out similar operations in Kaiama.
He said the successful rescue in Oyo had renewed hope among families in Kaiama, stressing that residents deserved the same level of commitment from security agencies.
Bukata warned that every additional day the victims remain in captivity exposes them to greater danger and hardship.
Meanwhile, Senator Adamu Aliero expressed concern over the worsening security situation across northern Nigeria but said the Federal Government should not be blamed for inadequate funding of security operations.
According to him, the National Assembly has consistently approved funds requested by security agencies to combat terrorism.
He maintained that the continued insecurity reflects the scale and complexity of the challenge rather than a lack of financial support.
The senator also renewed his call for the creation of state police, arguing that governors should be empowered to establish local policing structures capable of responding more effectively to security threats within their states.
