JUST IN: Bandits Release Seven Victims Kidnapped in Kaduna: Residents Speak Out

Suspected terrorists responsible for the abduction of over 100 people in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have taken a surprising turn by releasing some of their captives.

According to reports from residents in the area, the gunmen released seven captives unconditionally on Monday afternoon. Mohammed Aliyu, a family member of one of the kidnapped persons, informed Premium Times reporter that the kidnappers did not provide any reason for the release.

The group of released captives comprises three women, three men, and a nursing mother, who have since reunited with their families.

This incident adds to a string of abductions in the Kajuru Local Government Area, with repeated attacks by terrorists causing widespread concern among residents. Just last Monday, at least 61 individuals were abducted at Budah in the same area, further exacerbating the security crisis.

Aminu Kajuru, a resident and holder of a traditional title in the emirate, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, describing the area as under siege. He recounted how the bandits ordered residents out of their houses before abducting them.

Kaduna State, known for hosting a significant number of Nigeria’s security formations, continues to face relentless attacks by various armed groups commonly referred to as bandits. Recently, gunmen kidnapped over 250 school children in Kuriga, demanding a hefty ransom of N1 billion for their release.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the Kaduna State Government has yet to make an official statement regarding the latest kidnapping incident in Kajuru. Efforts to reach key officials, including the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and the police spokesperson in the state, Mansir Hassan, have been unsuccessful as their phone lines remain unreachable.

As residents grapple with the persistent threat of abduction and violence, concerns over the effectiveness of security measures in the state continue to mount.