…… in Niger State as Families Struggle to Meet Demands
In a harrowing video released by the kidnappers of 26 women from Allawa Community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, two of the captives plead for their families to fulfill the abductors’ demands for 130 motorcycles in exchange for their release. The video, which surfaced recently, shows one of the women tied to a tree, begging her family to meet the kidnappers’ demands. Speaking in Hausa, she appeals to a relative, saying, “I have injuries on my legs. For the sake of Allah, help bring the items.”
Despite providing six motorcycles, the families of the women are now being asked to deliver four more before any release can occur. The kidnappers initially demanded five motorcycles per captive, each valued at N2 million, totaling a staggering amount that the families are struggling to raise.
The dire situation has drawn sharp criticism towards the Niger State government, particularly the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi (RTD). A Gbagyi socio-cultural group, Gbenu Boknu Yakwo, has called for his dismissal, accusing him of downplaying the severity of the security crisis in Allawa. The group argues that despite official claims of normalcy, banditry and terrorism continue to devastate the region, with displaced residents unable to return to their homes or resume farming activities.
As the crisis deepens, calls for decisive action from the state and federal governments grow louder, with community leaders urging swift intervention to rescue the captives and restore security to the affected areas.
Peoplesmind
