AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Kwara State Governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the family of Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar
The Informant247 reports that the family of six were abducted on January 2 along with their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, from their home located in the Zuma 1 area, on the outskirts of Bwari town, in the FCT.
Meanwhile, an uncle to the children was shot dead by the bandits as he was leading a police rescue team to the house around 9 pm of the faithful day, and the father was released three days later and ordered to provide N60 million ransom before or on Friday 12.
However, unable to meet the demand, the bandits killed Nabeeha, a 400-level student of Biological Science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, around 9 pm on the dateline, and increased the ransom to N100 million, which must be paid before last Wednesday.
The five victims released are Najeeba, a 500-level Quantity Surveying student, her younger sister Nadherah, a 300-level Zoology student, both of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and their twin sisters, Habeeba, Haneesa.
The fifth person is Mardeeyah Isah Salahuddeen, a 400-level student of Microbiology at Bayero University Kano (BUK). She is a maternal cousin to the children who joined the family during the school holidays.
Meanwhile, the governor, during his visit, said he was impressed to see the freed daughters in high spirits and responding well to their therapies, adding that this is unbowed to whatever had happened and very optimistic about the future, which, he said was certain will be better and brighter for them
The governor said, “Earlier today in Abuja, I paid a visit to the Alkadiriyahs to spend some time and interact with our girls who have recently regained their freedom.
“I’m impressed to see them in high spirits and responding well to their therapies, clearly unbowed to whatever that had happened, and very positive about the future, which I’m certain will be better and brighter for them.
“To their parents, whom I had earlier met when the girls were in captivity, I doff my hat for your calm and bold efforts to confront the situation with patriotism and hope in the Almighty. That has greatly paid off.
“Again, I express my hearty condolences for the sad loss of Nabeeha and her uncle in the unfortunate circumstances. God will comfort the family now and always.
“I trust that the security agencies will hunt down whomever was involved in that incident and similar others; they will not go unpunished. We are too strong as a people to bow to the few cowards who target innocent citizens in their nefarious activities.
The story so far:
It would be recalled that Nabeehah and her sisters were abducted on January 9, alongside their father.
The Informant247 also learnt that the gunmen later released their father, asking him to get N60m ransom for the release of her daughters before Friday, January 12.
The hoodlums reportedly killed one of the six girls, Nabeehah, and dumped her body somewhere for her parents to bury as they were unable to raise the money.
Adejobi said the IG, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the upscaling of tactical intelligence teams in the fight against kidnapping.
He said, “In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action. The Force Headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrences, as all hands are on deck to rescue the victims.
“However, the sensitivity of the situation necessitates discretion, and as a result, specific details are being kept confidential to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
“The NPF is actively engaging and contacting individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation. The objective is not only to bring perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in rescue operations for victims still in captivity.”
The police boss, however, called on the public to corroborate the effect of the operatives by relaying helpful information to the force.
“Furthermore, recognising the psychological impact on affected families, the Police are encouraging open communication with their operatives to provide support, information, and assistance to mitigate the psychological warfare imposed by kidnappers on the relatives and loved ones of their victims,” he urged.
Meanwhile, Egbetokun on Thursday ordered the deployment of police officers with guarded security equipment to be stationed on the road and ensure the safety of travellers following the incessant kidnappings along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
Back story
Following the abduction of the children and an effort to get them released, Nigerians were urged to donate whatever they have into a bank account, but not enough money was gathered as of Friday.
Consequently, the hoodlums reportedly killed one of the six girls, Nabeehah, and dumped her body somewhere for her parents to bury.
The former Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, confirmed the killing of Nabeehah on Saturday night, saying he had spoken with the father of Najeebah over the remaining kidnapped girls.
“Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! I just read about the killing of our daughter Najeeba (400 level, ABU). I also spoke with her father about the remaining 5 of our kidnapped daughters. May Allah forgive her, rescue others & bring absolute peace to Nigeria,” he said in a post on his X handle.
Ex-president’s aide calls for action
Earlier, a former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, called on the police to take necessary actions on the matter
“I join fellow concerned Nigerians in urgently calling on the @PoliceNG through its PPRO @PrinceMoye1 to acknowledge and respond to the unfortunate incident involving the kidnapping of Najeebah and five of her sisters #NajeebahAndHerSisters more than a week ago. The information shared by a family member @Adamu_Asiya_ this morning indicated that the kidnappers have tragically killed Najeebah as a warning and demanded a N100 million ransom for the release of the remaining victims.
“We implore the Nigeria Police to prioritise this case and deploy all necessary resources to safely rescue the remaining victims. Thank you!” he said on X.
Reacting, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the police would need to get in touch with a member of the victims’ family.
“Please let the family members, or you relate with us codedly. Let them reach out to me on my personal line and drop a message there. We have been working on it, but we need some info. We will try our best possible to emplace all necessary measures to rescue them unhurt. But we need to get some info, pls. Thanks,” Adejobi replied.
Ahmad reverted later that he had linked the police with a senior member of the victims‘ family.
“Following our exchanges with @PoliceNG Public Relations Officer @PrinceMoye1, I have spoken with a relative of Najeebah. We agreed that a senior family member would directly take up the matter with Prince Muyiwa in person, away from social media platforms.
“The family expresses their gratitude to all Nigerians for their concern and support during this challenging period.
“Now, with the authorities involved, we are hopeful that #NajeebahAndHerSisters will be swiftly and safely rescued and reunited with their family,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media have expressed sadness over the killing of Nabeehah, calling on security agencies to rescue the remaining girls unhurt.
