Almost six months after scores of residents were seized by terrorists in Kwara State, relatives of the victims have said hope of securing their freedom through negotiations has faded after kidnappers allegedly turned down over N155m raised by the communities.
The families, who accused the authorities of failing to end the prolonged captivity, said they now feared for the lives of the 176 abductees following fresh threats allegedly issued by the gunmen.
In an emotional appeal contained in a video obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, community leaders said residents had emptied their savings, sold valuables and organised mass contributions to meet the kidnappers’ demand, but the effort collapsed when the money was allegedly rejected.
The development, they warned, had left hundreds of families in limbo, with many uncertain whether their relatives would ever return home.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Abdul Ibrahim said the situation had deteriorated after the kidnappers allegedly threatened to execute some of the captives while keeping others as wives.
According to him, every option available to the communities had been explored, including public protests and direct negotiations, without producing the release of a single victim.
“We contributed more than N155m because we believed it would bring our people home. Instead, the money was rejected and the suffering has continued,” Ibrahim said.
