Abuja kidnap: Abductors raise ransom, kill three hostages

…As Atiku blames poverty, hunger for increased security threats

Abductors holding six females in Abuja have killed three hostages on Monday following the failure of the family to pay the ransom of Sixty million naira demanded.

On January 5, gunmen attacked the home of one Al-Kadriyar and abducted him alongside his six daughters.

During the attack, a relative of the family was killed, while two policemen were shot during a gun duel.

The father of the girls was later released by the gunmen in order to allow him to sort out the ransom for the release of his six daughters.

Nigerians on social media had started a fundraising campaign for the ransom to seek the release of a lady identified only as Nabeeha and five of her sisters who were abducted in their house in Abuja on January 2, 2024.

In a related development, ex-minister Isa Ali Pantami disclosed in a tweet on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday that a friend of his, whose name was not mentioned, has offered to contribute N50 million to their release. However, going by the revelations yesterday, it is uncertain whether the ransom was paid to the family or the ransom was received by the family late after the deadline for payment.

Nigerians have however attributed some level of blame to the former Minister noting that the public announcement of the funds he raised prompted the increase in the ransom demanded from N60 million to N100 million.

Reacting, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has blamed the rising insecurity in the country on poverty and insecurity.

The Former VP’s post on X reads, “The escalating violence and lawlessness in our nation deeply distresses me as bandits and kidnappers continue their reign of terror unchecked. Our youths and innocent citizens are being murdered daily. Just last Saturday, we lost Nabeeha to her captors. Yesterday, the tragedy deepened with the murder of more victims, including Folorunsho Ariyo, a 13-year-old student. Folorunsho was one of ten people kidnapped from Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutse, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, on January 7th, 2024.

“It is obvious that the worsening poverty and hunger in the land is escalating the level of kidnapping and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja, the federal capital.

“When the government fails to fulfil its constitutional obligations of protecting the lives and property of citizens, it is an invitation to kidnappers and other criminal elements to have a free rein visiting houses and hotels in and around the capital city, kidnapping citizens without resistance. This is a sad development.

“It is imperative that the authorities address this dire security situation urgently to regain the trust of the Nigerian people.

“While I mourn with the deceased families, I pray to the Almighty to comfort them, grant the dead eternal peace and protect our nation. -AA.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commiserated with the family of Nabeeha on Monday.

In a statement, the First Lady said, “It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the devastating loss of Nabeeha and extend my deepest condolences to her grieving family. In difficult moments like this, I urge the nation to join in fervent prayers for the safe return of these girls. Let us hold the families close to our hearts in prayers.

“I implore our security agencies to intensify their efforts in addressing the pressing matter of kidnappings and insecurity in our nation. The safety and swift return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters and others in captivity should be our paramount concern.

“To the parents, especially mothers, I appeal for intensified prayers for our children and for peace to prevail in our beloved country. May the Almighty God comfort the Al-Kadriyar family for their loss and may God bring the other children back home safely. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”