The Middle-Belt Youth Forum will, today, stage massive protests against the alarming surge in kidnappings plaguing Abuja, the Nigeria capital city.
Fueled by recent incidents, including the tragic murders of multiple abductees, the youth-led demonstration is expected to be halted at the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The youths are urging a crackdown on kidnappers and bandits and also want the Nigerian government to designate them as terrorists.
Meanwhile, nineteen residents remain captive, including nine whose release hinges on a staggering N700 million ransom.
Already, four hostages, among them a promising young student, have been brutally murdered, allegedly due to ransom delays.
They include Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, a 400-level biological science student at Ahmadu Bello University, snatched alongside six siblings.
Her five sisters, including another high-achieving student, Nadherah, remain in captivity after their father’s release.
The kidnappers’ escalating ransom demands were initially set at N60 million and now doubled.
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Folashade Ariyo’s family endures similar anguish. Her mother and three siblings are still with the kidnappers.
Folashade, only 13 years old, was killed by the kidnappers, igniting nationwide outrage.