The Alkadriyar family has come forward to challenge the assertion made by the Nigerian Police Force regarding the release of the five sisters of the late Nabeeha Alkadriyar. It was stated by the FCT command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, that the anti-kidnapping unit of the command had facilitated the sisters’ liberation. However, the family has contradicted this, asserting that the girls were freed after a ransom was paid, not through a rescue operation.
According to Jamiu Salman, an uncle of the victims, they were informed by one of the sisters that they had been released by their captors around 8 p.m. on a Saturday, who also provided them with details of their location. In response, Salman and a younger brother of the girls’ father swiftly proceeded to the specified area, where they encountered military personnel at the Jere junction. With the assistance of the military, they ventured into a bush near Gurara Dam and successfully reunited with the children before returning home with a military escort after 11 p.m.
Confirming the payment of a ransom, Salman declined to disclose the exact amount. Likewise, Mubarak Alkadriyar, a cousin of the children, substantiated the claim, mentioning that the bandits had instructed them on where and to whom the ransom should be paid. He noted that a total of 12 individuals, including the five from the Alkadriyar family and seven others from three different families in the Dutse axis of the FCT, were released. The ransom, paid collectively with the other families, was coordinated by a chosen individual, as directed by the bandits. Mubarak disputed the assertion of a rescue by security personnel, emphasizing that the captors had released the victims following the payment of the ransom.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the security agencies, Mubarak criticized their approach, citing a lack of prioritization of citizens’ lives. He questioned why the authorities did not intervene even after the ransom was paid, allowing the bandits to retain the captives until Saturday night without any confrontation. This narrative challenges the perceived effectiveness of the security forces and raises concerns about their response to such incidents.
The Alkadriyar family’s account introduces a new dimension to the story, casting doubt on the initial police claim and highlighting the complexities and challenges surrounding kidnapping incidents in the region. The discrepancy between the official statement and the family’s version underscores the need for thorough and impartial investigations into such cases to uncover the truth and ensure justice for the victims.
