Families of 176 people abducted by terrorists in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have renewed calls on the Federal and Kwara State governments to secure the release of their loved ones after nearly six months in captivity.
The appeal follows allegations that the abductors threatened to force the “beautiful” female captives into marriage and kill the remaining hostages if their demands were not met.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, Kaiama resident Abdul Ibrahim said affected communities raised more than N155 million through crowdfunding to secure the victims’ release, 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.
Community leaders Dan Sardaukin Kaiama and Suleiman Bukata urged security agencies to replicate the operation that recently rescued abductees in Oyo State and extend similar efforts to Kaiama.
Meanwhile, Senator Adamu Aliero said the National Assembly had consistently approved security funding, arguing that the persistence of terrorism reflects the complexity of the challenge rather than inadequate financing. He also renewed his call for the establishment of state police to strengthen local security responses.
