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My friend offered to pay N50m ransom for 5 sisters abducted in Abuja, says ex-minister, Pantami

“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.

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In a bid to secure the release of the remaining five kidnapped daughters of Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar in Abuja, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami said on Sunday that one of his friends has offered to pay N50 million out of the N60 million ransom demanded.

Persecondnews recalls that the six girls and their father were abducted on January 9, 2024 at their home in Bwari, a suburb of Abuja but unfortunately the eldest sister identified as Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, was killed by the kidnappers over alleged delay in ransom payment.

Najeebah, a 400-level student of biological science at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was buried on Saturday.

The gunmen, who had reportedly demanded N60 million to free the abductees, released their father to go and mobilize funds for the ransom.

Pantami confirmed on his verified Twitter handle on Sunday that he spoke to the father of the girls who confirmed the death of Nabeeha.

He added that the five girls still in the custody of the gunmen are also being threatened with death, hence, he spoke with his friend who promised to pay the N50 million remaining to be gathered out of the N60 million ransom demand of the kidnappers.

Pantami on his verified “X” page in a post on his X handle on Sunday said: “Alhamdu lil Laah! I am personally not in support of paying ransom to criminals.

“However, since it becomes clear, we lost our daughter Nabeeha yesterday, and the 5 remaining daughters have been threatened, as I spoke with the father on the matter yesterday and today.

“Furthermore, I spoke with a friend and a brother who offered to pay the remaining 50 million Naira of the 60m immediately.

“I conveyed the account number of the father of our daughters, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, to the friend and brother to send the money directly. Any additional amount earlier generated from yesterday, the father can use to treat the daughters and other family members in sha Allah.

“May the Almighty Allah reward the bother and friend with Jannatul Firdaus for the donation. May He also reward all those who contributed in any way with Jannatul Firdaus, too.

“May He also forgive Nabeeha and rescue her sisters. May the Almighty also help our security agencies to bring an end to these challenges. May Nigeria be a better place for all of us. I love Nigeria. #Najeebahandhersisters,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun has announced that a comprehensive plan to rescue the abducted girls has begun.

Egbetokun, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi 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.

“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.”

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