Reprieve may have come the way of the Al-Kadriyars whose daughters were kidnapped January 3, 2024, in Bwari, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, as former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami facilitated N50 million for the rescue of the girls.
The girls, numbering six, including a cousin of theirs, were abducted alongside their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, who was later released to go and raise the N60 million ransom placed on them, at N10 million each.
However, as the family cried out for support, some 11 days after the abduction, the gunmen killed one of the girls, Nabeeha, Saturday.
The 400-Level student in the department of biological sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was the second to be killed by the criminals after her uncle, Abdulfattah.
Abdulfattah was also gunned down in an exchange of fire between the gunmen and police whom the late uncle had gone to mobilise to stave off the abduction following a call from Mansoor, his brother and father of the abductees.
And like her uncle, Nabeeha was buried according to Islamic rites at the Bwari Muslim Cemetery with many relations and sympathisers.
It was not, however, clear how the body of the late university student was discovered as at the time of this report.
The helpless situation of the girls has continued to generate reactions from within and outside Nigeria, particularly among the social media users.
Nabeeha and her sisters were abducted on January 9, alongside their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar.
Some of the abductees were identified as Najeebah (500 level, Quantity Surveying), Nadheerah (300 level, Zoology).
Pantami wades in
And in response to the clarion call, a former minister, Professor Pantami, waded in by facilitating N50 million from a friend who, according to him, he discussed the matter with.
This, the ex-minister, said he did after confirming the killing of Najeebah Saturday night with her father, after which he discussed the issue over the fate of the remaining girls.
Writing on his verified ‘X’ (former Twitter) page Sunday, Pantami said: “Alhamdu lil Laah! I am personally not in support of paying ransom to criminals.
“However, since it becomes clear, we lost our daughter Nabeeha yesterday, and the 5 remaining daughters have been threatened, as I spoke with the father on the matter yesterday and today.
“Furthermore, I spoke with a friend and a brother who offered to pay the remaining 50 million Naira of the 60m immediately.
“I conveyed the account number of the father of our daughters, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, to the friend and brother to send the money directly. Any additional amount earlier generated from yesterday, the father can use to treat the daughters and other family members In sha Allah.
“May the Almighty Allah reward the brother and friend with Jannatul Firdaus for the donation. May He also reward all those who contributed in any way with Jannatul Firdaus, too.
“May He also forgive Nabeeha and rescue her sisters. May the Almighty also help our security agencies to bring an end to these challenges. May Nigeria be a better place for all of us. I love Nigeria. #Najeebahandhersisters.”
PDP slams Kwara gov
In a related development, the Kwara state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded urgent action from the state government to secure the release of six Al-Kadriyar family of Ajikobi ward, Ilorin West local government area of the state.p
The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara (Sholyments), expressed deep concern and grief over what it described as “horrifying situation” surrounding the Al-Kadriyar family.
“We are distressed to learn that one of the daughters has been gruesomely murdered by kidnappers due to their inability to pay the exorbitant sum of N60, 000,000 as ransom demanded,” the party said.
It called on Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to expedite action and ensure the swift rescue of the remaining innocent children still held captive even as it demanded similar and conspicuous actions from the senator representing Kwara central, Saligu Mustapha and the House of Representatives member representing Asa/Ilorin west Federal Constituency, Mukhtar Shagaya.
“We make bold to say that the state government has the resources and duty to protect the lives of its citizens, including going the extra mile with the family to ensure the children in captivity regain their freedom unhurt.
“The PDP stands in solidarity with the Al-Kadriyar family during this difficult time and calls for swift and decisive action from the government to ensure the safe return of the remaining children, the statement added.
Police intensify effort
And in the midst of all this, the Nigeria Police Force said it was intensifying efforts to rescue the victims.
It also assured Nigerians that plans were underway to prevent further kidnapping cases across the country.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi gave the assurance in a statement issued Saturday in Abuja.
The force spokesman said IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, had 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.”
Egbetokun called on the public to corroborate the efforts of the operatives by relaying useful information to the force.
He said: “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.”
Egbetokun, it would be recalled, had 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.
