In a shocking turn of events, one of the six sisters abducted in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, just over a week ago has reportedly met a tragic end while in captivity, intensifying the already heightened sense of outrage across the nation.
The grim incident unfolded when unidentified gunmen forcefully invaded the family’s residence in the Bwari area of Abuja. In the course of the attack, three police officers were shot, and the sisters, along with their father, were kidnapped.
The abducted sister, identified as Nabeehah, a university student, is said to have lost her life on Friday night, allegedly at the hands of the captors, after the family failed to meet their demand for a ransom of $63,000 (£50,000).
A family relative actively involved in the rescue efforts disclosed to the Daily Trust news website that the kidnappers have returned Nabeehah’s lifeless body to the family. The perpetrators have reportedly issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening to harm the remaining siblings if a heightened ransom of $104,000 is not paid by Wednesday.
Tragically, two of the three police officers injured during the kidnapping have also succumbed to their wounds.
While the police asserted that “all hands are on deck” to rescue the victims, they stopped short of confirming Nabeehah’s reported demise.
Opposition leader Atiku Abubakar condemned the incident, labeling Nabeehah’s killing as “yet another reminder that kidnappers and bandits are operating unhindered in our country.” He urged a comprehensive restructuring of the country’s security architecture.
Peter Obi, leader of the opposition Labour Party, drew attention to the broader implications of the kidnapping in the nation’s capital, stating that it serves as a stark indication of the overall insecurity prevailing throughout the country.
It is worth noting that the payment of ransom to kidnappers is illegal in Nigeria, adding a layer of complexity to the already dire situation. The unfolding events have spurred a collective call for urgent and effective measures to address the escalating security challenges facing the nation.