Kidnappers Kill Eldest Of Six Sisters Abducted In Abuja Over Failed Payment Of N60m Ransom

A young Nigerian woman who has been identified as Najeebah has been reportedly killed by kidnappers

VerseNews gathered that the deceased was abducted on January 9, 2024, alongside five other sisters and their father in Abuja.

The gunmen later released their father, asking him to go get N60m as ransom for the release of his daughters before Friday, January 12.

In a bid to raise money, Nigerians were urged to donate whatever they have into a bank account, but not enough money was gathered as of Friday.

Consequently, the hoodlums reportedly killed the oldest of the six girls, Najeebah, and dumped her body somewhere for her parents to bury.

Nabeeha, a 400-level student of biological science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was laid to rest according to Islamic rites on Saturday.

Others abducted included Najeebah (500 level, Quantity Surveying), Nadheerah (300 level, Zoology)

The student’s death sparked outrage on X, formerly Twitter, with many users calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining persons in captivity.

Condoling with the family, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami wrote on his verified “X” page: “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! I just read about the killing of our daughter Nabeeha (400 level, ABU). I also spoke with her father about the remaining 5 of our kidnapped daughters. May Allah forgive her, rescue others & bring absolute peace in Nigeria #Najeebahandhersisters”

@MFaarees: “El Rufai was right when he said there’s nothing like Northern Elders, ’cause we don’t in any way feel their presence, relevance or importance, for how long have we been suffering? They don’t speak, they don’t do anything! Respect is earned, not forced! #Najeebahandhersisters”

A former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, said: “The gruesome murder of Nabeeeha Al-kadriyar is a condemnable act of evil before our very eyes.Her death was an avoidable tragedy.The perpetrators must be brought to justice.The deterioration of security within the federal capital should be a matter of urgent concern to our security services.May her soul rest in peace.Amin.”

Bashir Ahmah, a former presidential aide, said: “I join fellow concerned Nigerians in urgently calling on the @PoliceNG through its PPRO @PrinceMoye1 to acknowledge and respond to the unfortunate incident involving the kidnapping of Najeebah and five of her sisters #NajeebahAndHerSisters more than a week ago.

“The information shared by a family member @Adamu_Asiya_ this morning indicated that the kidnappers have tragically killed Najeebah as a warning and demanded a N100 million ransom for the release of the remaining victims.”

@Halal_Match: “Dear Muslim Ummah, our sisters (Nabeeha & her sisters) are kidnapped, please support with all you can. Indeed we are one nation . Whatever affects one part, affects the other”

@lilinbaba_ said: “It is with great displeasure and discontentment we received the passing of Nabeeha. This reoccurring tragedy of endless kidnapping in the north needs to stop. I’m urging our security officers to double their efforts in fighting these criminal syndicates. May her soul rest in peace”

@dev_maims: Even if it doesn’t affect you, lend your voice it’ll go a long way. We pray for your safe return and every other person being held captive #Najeebahandhersisters”

Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has emphasised that the police and other security agencies had been on the matter to rescue the abducted persons.

In a statement, Adejobi said Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General, had directed that tactical intelligence units be expanded in order to combat kidnapping.

The statement said: “In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action. The Force Headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrence, as all hands are on deck to rescue the victims.

“However, the sensitivity of the situation necessitates discretion, and as a result, specific details are being kept confidential to avoid compromising ongoing operations.

“The NPF is actively engaging and contacting individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation. The objective is not only to bring perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in rescue operations for victims still in captivity.

“Furthermore, recognizing the psychological impact on affected families, the Police are encouraging open communication with their operatives to provide support, information, and assistance to mitigate the psychological warfare imposed by kidnappers on the relatives and loved ones of their victims.”