The Al-Kadriyar family has expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude over the release of their five daughters kidnapped by bandits on January 2, 2024, at their residence in Bwari Area Council of Abuja.
A statement Sunday by the family said: “Al-Kadriyar’s family finds you all in good health and high spirits. I am writing today to share some incredibly heartfelt and joyous news with all of you. Alhamdulillah, our prayers have been answered and our daughters have arrived safely from captivity.”
The Al-Kadriyar also expressed the immense gratitude to Nigerians over their unwavering support and prayers, and thanked Allah for His mercy and guidance throughout this difficult time.”
“Words cannot express the immense gratitude and relief we feel at this moment. It is a true testament to the power of faith and the unwavering support and prayers from every one of you. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Allah for His mercy and guidance throughout this difficult time.
“However, amidst our celebration and gratitude, we must remember and pray for those who have lost their lives during this process. Their sacrifices must not go unnoticed, and their families must be in our prayers and thoughts. May Allah grant them the highest ranks in Jannah, enveloping them with His mercy and forgiveness. May He bring comfort and peace to their grieving families, providing them with strength to endure their loss.
“Our beloved daughters have shown remarkable strength and resilience, and we are overjoyed to have them back in our arms. Their bravery and courage during their time held captive will forever inspire us all. May Allah bless and protect every one of these incredible young women and grant them emotional healing and strength in the days to come.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to the security forces, authorities, and all those who worked tirelessly towards the safe rescue of our daughters. May Allah bless them abundantly for their dedication and sacrifice.
“During this time of celebration, let us not forget those who are still facing similar hardships and continue to pray for their safe return. It is our duty as a community to support and uplift one another during times of adversity.
“Once again, we want to express our sincerest thanks to Allah for answering our prayers and bringing our daughters safely home. We are eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our community, and we pray that Allah blesses every one of you abundantly,” the statement added.
The Al-Kadriyar girls, alongside other victims, were freed at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday according to the Nigeria Police.
…Police confirm release
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command Sunday confirmed the development, saying operatives secured the girls’ release.
A statement by the command said: “Following the relentless advancement of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command Anti-Kidnapping squad in a concerted effort with troops of the Nigerian Army, on the heels of the kidnappers that struck the Zuma 1 area in the Bwari Area Council on the 2nd of January 2024, The FCT Police has rescued the victims and reunited them with their families.
“The operatives successfully rescued the Victims around Kajuru forest in Kaduna state at about 11:30 pm on Saturday 20th January 2024.
“While appreciating the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, for the deployment of the newly commissioned Special Intervention Squad, which has given an uplift to the existing security architecture of the FCT and has brewed public confidence, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command CP Haruna G. Garba, wishes to reiterate the Commands commitment to sustaining the robust security deployment made in the area and other parts of the Territory for the utmost maintenance of peace for all and sundry.”
“The good people of FCT are hence encouraged to note the following emergency lines and promptly report suspicious activities; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, PCB: 09022222352,” added the command in a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh.
…Tension generated
At the height of the tension generated by the kidnap of the girls, family , friends and sympathisers called for support, following which former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Professor Ibrahim Pantami, facilitated the sum of N50million from a friend.
The sum of N60million was put on the girls’ heads as ransom at N10million each.
Pantami’s effort followed the killing of Nabeeha, one of the kidnapped girls by their captors.
On his X handle, Pantami had written: “I am personally not in support of paying ransom to criminals.
“However, since it became clear that we lost our daughter, Nabeeha, on Sunday, and the five remaining daughters have been threatened, as I spoke with the father on the matter on Sunday and today.
“Furthermore, I spoke with a friend and a brother who offered to pay the remaining N50 million of the N60 million 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 on Sunday, the father can use to treat the daughters and other family members, In sha Allah.”
…FG’s response
But the federal government was to later condemned the payment of ransom as well as crowdfunding for the release of abductees as illegal.
The position was make known by Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru while addressing journalists after the maiden 2024 Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
“We all know that there is an existing law against payment of ransom. So, it is very sad for people to go over the internet and radio asking for donations to pay ransom.
“This will only worsen the situation; it will not help the situation at all as you have seen. Initially, they asked for N60 million and now because of this funding and I learnt somebody has raised N50 million already through friends and media, and the kidnappers jacked up the ransom.
“We believe we have to stop as painful as it is, we have to stop responding to requests for ransom. If we stop, overtime the kidnapping will not be profitable and they will stop. It is not easy though, but that is the law that you are know. So we want to call on the people to manage the kidnapping situation intelligently and very quietly, because talking too much about it most especially raising funds through the public, media is not productive at all and should be discontinued,” Badaru had said.
