By Mohammed Bello Doka
In the heart of Nigeria's capital, Abuja, a father's worst nightmare unfolds as the lives of his two teenage daughters hang in the balance. The tranquility of Guita community in the Bwari Area Council is shattered when six armed assailants storm the family home under the cover of darkness on January 28, 2024. In a swift and chilling operation, the gunmen abduct the two sisters, aged 14 and 16, leaving their family reeling in shock and fear.
For twelve agonizing days, Adeola Sunday, the girls' father, grapples with the torment of uncertainty as he navigates negotiations with the kidnappers. Initially demanding an exorbitant ransom of N30 million, the perpetrators later relent, reducing their demand to N5 million. However, for Adeola, a civil servant eking out a living as a messenger, even the reduced sum remains an insurmountable obstacle.
In an emotional interview with SaharaReporters, Adeola shares the anguish of his ordeal, recounting the relentless pleas and appeals he has made to the kidnappers. "Since the incident happened, I have been discussing with them," he reveals, his voice laced with desperation. "They initially demanded a ransom of N30 million. I have been appealing to them that I am not a rich man, I am a poor person."
As the days pass, Adeola's distress deepens, compounded by the realization that time is running out for his daughters. With every passing moment, the specter of danger looms larger, casting a shadow over the community and fueling a sense of helplessness among its residents.
But amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope emerge as the community rallies together in support of the grieving family. In a bold display of solidarity, residents stage a protest at the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, demanding action to address the root causes of insecurity, including neglected infrastructure and deteriorating public safety.
Yet, as the clamor for assistance grows louder, Adeola's plea remains simple yet urgent: for President Bola Tinubu's government and fellow Nigerians to come to his aid and secure the safe return of his beloved daughters. In the face of adversity, his words resonate not only within the confines of Guita community but reverberate across the nation, serving as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of kidnapping and the pressing need for concerted action to combat it.
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