KEBBI ABDUCTION: FATHER SEARCHES FOR THREE MISSING CHILDREN

A displaced father in Kebbi State has recounted the anguish of searching for his three young children following attacks by armed men suspected to be Lakurawa terrorists in communities in Jega Local Government Area.

The father said he had been unable to establish the whereabouts of his children since the attackers invaded his neighbourhood and abducted residents.

THE FATHER’S ORDEAL

The man, who was not named in the report, is among residents of Alelu, Kimba and Jandutsi communities who have fled their homes and taken refuge in Jega town following the attack.

In a video report by Yusuf Abdullahi of Nagari FM, the father described how families had been separated as residents fled to escape the gunmen.

“I have three young children, and I still do not know where they are. I have been searching for them,” he said .

He said the attackers took people from his neighbourhood and nearby households, leaving families desperate for information about their missing relatives.

“Our neighbours and other residents were also abducted. They took about 63 people from our area. Some of them are still with the abductors,” he said.

He said some abductees carrying babies were reportedly released, but his daughter was not among those who returned.

“My daughter, who was carrying a baby, was also taken. They released some people who were carrying babies, but my daughter was not among those released,” he said.

THE ATTACKS

Residents said armed men suspected to be Lakurawa terrorists repeatedly attacked the affected communities, opening fire and abducting women, children and other resident.

Some residents estimated that more than 60 people were abducted, while others put the number at about 80.

The attacks reportedly occurred in communities that had already experienced repeated security threats. Residents of Alelu said the suspected attackers returned after Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris visited the community to commiserate with them over the security situation.

The renewed attacks forced families to flee towards Jega, abandoning their homes and property.

THE HUMAN TOLL

Other displaced residents recounted how the gunmen attacked homes, shot residents and abducted people during the raids.

A woman who fled with her baby said the attackers had abducted members of her household and killed residents. She said the violence had prevented people from farming and earning a living.

“For years, they have subjected us to hardship. They do not allow us to farm or earn a living. We have been suffering greatly, and we struggle to survive,” she said.

An elderly resident estimated that between five and six people had been killed, while a community representative similarly put the possible death toll at about six. The representative said three people were receiving medical attention .

RANSOM DEMANDS

A community representative said the abductors were reportedly demanding ₦200 million in ransom for the release of victims.

Separately, another victim alleged that the suspected terrorists demanded ₦100 million from him, an amount he said he could not afford .Some abductees were reportedly released following negotiations and other interventions.

A community representative said about 34 people were released after motorcycles and guns were allegedly returned to the abductors. Other victims were still being held, according to residents.

The ransom demands and circumstances surrounding the reported releases could not be independently verified.

THE DISPLACED

The attacks have left families displaced and struggling to meet their basic needs. Residents who fled to Jega said they lacked adequate accommodation and needed urgent assistance with food and other necessities. Many had also lost access to their farms and businesses, leaving them without their usual means of survival .

A community representative described the situation as a tragedy that had destroyed livelihoods and separated families. He appealed to the Kebbi State Government to provide temporary shelter and food for the displaced residents while security agencies worked to restore peace .

WHY IT MATTERS

The abduction of dozens of residents, including children, is a reminder of the insecurity that continues to devastate communities across Nigeria’s North-West.

For the father searching for his three children, the ordeal is not abstract. It is the daily torment of not knowing whether they are alive, whether they are being fed, whether they are safe.

He appealed to the government to help locate and rescue the abducted residents.

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“We appeal to the government to help us recover our abducted family members and provide us with somewhere to stay,” he said.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the Kebbi State Government has not yet issued a public response to the attacks.