A harrowing situation continues to unfold in Kaduna State, Nigeria, as 13 villagers from Unguwar Liman remain in captivity 46 days after their abduction by bandits. The initial abduction saw 30 villagers taken, with only 16 being released after a ransom of N6.5 million was paid. Shockingly, the bandits then demanded an additional N16 million for the remaining victims in December 2023.

Community leader Malam Jafaru Anaba has confirmed the dire situation, revealing that the bandits released a woman among the remaining victims two days ago to deliver a chilling message to the community. According to Anaba, the bandits threatened to kill the remaining captives unless the community can raise the additional ransom. He expressed the community’s inability to meet this demand, stating that they have ceased communication with the bandits due to the financial strain.

Anaba also shed light on the ongoing terror faced by six communities. He disclosed that bandits have been launching constant attacks on Angwar Liman, Anguwar Dunki, Bina, Tudun Amada, and Gangare. Additionally, it was revealed that all the abducted individuals are being held in the same location within Igabi forest.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, Anaba urgently appealed to the federal and state government for intervention. He implored them to conduct extensive operations at the bandits’ camps situated in Southern Igabi, which borders Southern Giwa LGA.

The plight of these villagers serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity faced by communities in Nigeria. The prolonged captivity and grave threats made by the bandits underscore the urgent need for decisive action to ensure the safe release of the remaining hostages and to address the underlying security challenges in the region.