Tragedy has struck a family in Abuja after bandits killed one of their six children, Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, whom they kidnapped two weeks ago.
The 400-level biological science student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was murdered on Friday, leaving her siblings Najeebah (500 level, Quantity Surveying), Nadheerah (300 level, Zoology), and three others in the clutches of the kidnappers.
The incident has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with the hashtag #Najeebahandhersisters trending on social media. Users are calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining hostages and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The ordeal began on Tuesday night, December 26, 2023, when the bandits abducted Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar and his six children from their home in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja. During the abduction, the kidnappers shot dead Alhaji Mansoor’s brother, Abdulfatai, who had earlier alerted the police.
After holding the family captive for over a week, the kidnappers initially demanded N60 million ransom. However, following Nabeeha’s killing, they increased their demand to a staggering N100 million. This has left the family and well-wishers scrambling to raise the funds, with appeals for help flooding social media platforms.
News of Nabeeha’s murder has ignited a firestorm of criticism towards the Nigerian government and security agencies. Former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar expressed his sadness and called for a “rejig of the country’s security architecture” to prevent such tragedies.
In a statement on X on Sunday, the ex-Vice President said, “I am saddened by reports of the brutal murder of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, who was abducted with her siblings and has been in the custody of their abductors for almost two weeks.
“This is yet another reminder that kidnappers and bandits are operating unhindered in our country.
“The security architecture needs to be rejigged to the extent that it stems from the free rein of criminal elements and guarantees the safety of lives and property.
“The security agencies should step up action to rescue the rest who are still in the custody of the kidnappers.”
Others, like former Minister of Communications Isa Pantami, offered condolences to the family and urged for the safe return of the remaining sisters.
Writing on X, Patanmi said, “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 on the remaining 5 of our kidnapped daughters. May Allah forgive her, rescue others & bring absolute peace in Nigeria #Najeebahandhersisters”
Adding his voice to the outpouring of concern, former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, called on the police to urgently address the kidnapping of Najeebah and her five sisters.
He wrote on X, “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.”
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, assured the public that security agencies are working tirelessly to rescue the hostages.
