Families of hundreds of Nigerians abducted by terrorists, bandits and other armed groups across different parts of the country have expressed frustration over what they describe as government silence and inadequate rescue efforts, months after their loved ones were taken away.
DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports that many of the affected families said initial assurances from federal and state authorities that victims would be rescued have gradually faded, leaving them with little or no official information about the fate of their relatives.
Investigations revealed that although governments often respond swiftly with promises after major kidnapping incidents, communication with families usually diminishes over time, forcing relatives to depend on ransom calls, voice recordings from captors, accounts from escapees and rumours to determine whether those still in captivity are alive or dead.
The report identified a recurring pattern across several states, where public outrage following mass abductions is followed by prolonged uncertainty as families struggle to obtain updates from security agencies while kidnappers continue to demand huge ransoms.
The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire, Oyo State, has once again drawn national attention to Nigeria's worsening insecurity. However, families whose relatives have spent several months, and in some cases years, in captivity say public interest usually disappears long before victims regain their freedom.
Kwara Families Continue to Await Rescue
In Kwara State, several mass abductions have left scores of women, children, worshippers and villagers in captivity.
One of the deadliest attacks occurred on February 3, 2026, when suspected Boko Haram-linked insurgents invaded Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. About 200 residents were reportedly killed, while 176 women, children and infants were abducted after homes and the palace of the traditional ruler were destroyed. Nearly five months later, many of those abducted have yet to return.
The traditional ruler of Woro, Salihu Bio, whose wife remains among those held captive, said the last communication from the victims came after they were briefly allowed to observe Friday prayers.
According to him, the abductees warned that if no action was taken within a week in April, their captors threatened to begin killing them. Since then, he said, there has been virtually no communication and no indication that negotiations are taking place.
Another kidnapping incident occurred on March 22 when gunmen attacked an ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, abducting eight worshippers.
Families reportedly raised about ₦20 million and supplied food items after the kidnappers initially demanded ₦1 billion. Despite the payment, an escapee later revealed that five captives had died in the forest, while three others remain in captivity. Among them is Mosunmola Adekunle, a hearing-impaired widow and mother of seven.
The Executive Director of the Jibore Foundation, Joy Bolarin, described her continued captivity as heartbreaking, while her sister, Adedokun Rachael, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene.
Security analyst Musa Aliyu also expressed concern over the absence of sustained psychological, humanitarian and financial support for families affected by kidnappings, warning that many relatives are battling trauma, depression and uncertainty.
Investigations further revealed that at least 22 other residents abducted from Adanla, Isapa, Ikosin, Oke-Ero and neighbouring communities between December 2025 and April 2026 also remain missing.
Borno Families Still Waiting for Their Loved Ones
In Borno State, families said at least 91 residents remain in Boko Haram captivity following separate attacks across the state.
The victims include 78 schoolchildren abducted from schools and 13 travellers kidnapped while travelling from Biu to Maiduguri.
One victim's husband, Musa Wakawa, whose wife and seven-month-old daughter were abducted on April 15, said every phone call still gives him hope that they may return safely.
Another relative, Hassan Yati, said among those kidnapped were a mother carrying her infant, young graduates travelling for their NYSC deployment and married couples, all of whom have remained missing for months.
In separate attacks on schools in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, 42 pupils were abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, while another attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, resulted in the abduction of 36 students and one teacher.
Parents of the victims appealed to the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts and reunite the children with their families.
During a visit to Lassa, the Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, assured residents that security agencies and other stakeholders were working towards the safe return of the abducted students.
Zamfara Families Struggle With Huge Ransom Demands
In Zamfara State, more than 500 kidnapped victims are believed to be held in various bandits' camps.
One victim, Mohammed Garba, said he and his two daughters were kidnapped about a month ago. He explained that the bandits later released him so he could raise the ₦15 million ransom demanded for their freedom, while his daughters remain in captivity.
The Zamfara State Government maintained its opposition to ransom payments, with the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mustafa Jafaru, warning that paying kidnappers would only encourage further criminal activities.
Kaduna Worshippers Reportedly Dying in Captivity
Families in Kaduna State said hope is fading nearly three months after bandits attacked Easter Sunday worshippers in Ariko Community, Kachia Local Government Area.
The attackers invaded First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, abducting numerous worshippers.
Village Head Joshua Doka said a recorded voice message allegedly sent by one of the captives indicated that some abductees had died from hunger, illness and harsh conditions.
He also disclosed that the kidnappers are still demanding ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles for the victims' release.
Ekiti Worshippers Spend 65 Days in Captivity
In Ekiti State, relatives of 16 worshippers abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area said anxiety continues to grow as the victims remain in captivity 65 days after the attack.
The April 28 incident claimed the life of a pastor, while women and young children were taken into the forest.
Community leader Ayodele Oni disclosed that although residents earlier paid ₦10 million, the kidnappers are demanding an additional ₦50 million and recently allowed relatives to briefly speak with one of the captives, who confirmed that the victims were still alive, although one was seriously ill.
He appealed for urgent government intervention, noting that children as young as two years old remain among those being held.
Osun Council Vice Chairman Still Held
In Osun State, the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area, Debo Farounbi, has remained in captivity for more than three weeks after being abducted by suspected bandits in Ora, a border community between Osun and Kwara states.
Family members disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦200 million before reducing the ransom to ₦50 million.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing and announced that two suspects have already been arrested and remanded in connection with the abduction.
Sokoto Family Still Awaiting Release Despite Paying Ransom
In Sokoto State, residents of Garin Idi village appealed to security agencies to rescue a relative who remains in captivity more than two months after ransom was paid.
According to family member Bello Umar, kidnappers reduced their initial demand of ₦15 million to about ₦800,000 after negotiations. Despite raising the money through community contributions, the victim has not been released.
He added that many communities now pay regular levies to bandits in an effort to avoid further attacks.
Benue Victims Yet to Regain Freedom
In Benue State, three abductees, including Universal Reformed Christian Church cleric Rev. Samuel Gbinde, remain in captivity after gunmen invaded his residence in Guma Local Government Area.
Although police said tactical teams are usually deployed immediately after receiving reports of abduction, families said no contact has been established with the kidnappers and the victims have yet to regain their freedom.
Across the country, affected families continue to plead with the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and bring their loved ones home safely, insisting that every passing day in captivity deepens their pain, uncertainty and emotional trauma.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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