IDPs call for release of their abducted members in Kaduna

Internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Maraban Rido, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have called on the government and security agencies to secure the release of four of their members abducted by suspected bandits while on their way to their farmlands.

The bandits abducted six IDPs at Anguwan Baijuwa, Kaso, on Friday, November 13, but later released two of the IDPs on health grounds.

The IDP coordinator of Maraban Rido, Sule Adams, explained that the abduction had been formally reported to the police, but the whereabouts of the four remaining victims were still unknown.

Adams called for urgent security intervention to rescue the four victims and strengthen security around farmlands used by displaced persons and other citizens so they can go about their normal businesses.

According to him, “We want security intervention to release these four people and many others being held by their abductors, at the same time, strengthen security for this IDP farmland community.”

He observed that farming remained the major source of their livelihoods, stressing that they had continued to risk their lives to access their farmlands because they had no alternative means of providing food for their children.

Adams said the displaced persons needed secured farmlands where they could carry out farming activities without fear of attacks.

He also appealed for skills training and empowerment programmes, particularly for youths, to enable them to earn a living and support their families.

The Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, could not be reached to react to the incident.