Families of victims kidnapped in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have made a fresh appeal to the Federal Government and security agencies after suspected kidnappers allegedly rejected ₦155 million raised for the victims’ release.
According to community leaders, at least 176 people have remained in captivity for nearly six months, despite desperate efforts by their families and residents to secure their freedom.
Speaking in an interview monitored on the BBC Hausa Service, a Kaiama indigene, Abdul Ibrahim, said members of the affected communities contributed over ₦155 million in an attempt to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
However, he alleged that the abductors refused to accept the money and instead threatened to force some of the female captives into marriage while killing other hostages if their demands were not met.
“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,” Ibrahim said.
He appealed to the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and security agencies to urgently intensify rescue efforts, saying affected families have exhausted all available options in their quest to free their loved ones.
Ibrahim also lamented that peaceful protests organised by residents to draw attention to the victims’ plight had not attracted the level of intervention they had hoped for.
Also speaking, the Dan Sardaukin Kaiama, Suleiman Bukata, urged the Federal Government to replicate the security operation that recently led to the rescue of abductees in Oyo State.
According to him, the successful operation in Oyo has renewed hope among families in Kaiama that their loved ones can also be rescued.
“Every additional day the victims remain in captivity increases the danger to their lives,” Bukata warned.
Meanwhile, Senator Adamu Aliero expressed concern over the worsening security situation across northern Nigeria but argued that the continued attacks by terrorists and criminal groups are not due to inadequate funding.
According to the senator, the National Assembly has consistently approved budget requests from security agencies to support counter-terrorism operations.
Aliero maintained that the persistence of insecurity reflects the complexity of the challenge rather than a shortage of financial resources.
He also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying governors should be constitutionally empowered and adequately equipped to establish local policing structures capable of responding quickly to security threats in their states.
The latest development has heightened concerns among residents of Kaiama, with families continuing to plead for urgent government intervention to secure the safe return of those still in captivity.
Source: BBC Hausa Service.
