‘We Are In The Bush’ – Kaduna Abductees Deny Release

Thirty-seven residents abducted from Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have denied reports that they had been released after the alleged payment of ₦1 billion and delivery of 30 Honda motorcycles to terrorists.

Naija News reports that the victims said they had spent over 70 days in captivity and remained in the bush.

They made the disclosure in a video seen by SaharaReporters, where both the abductors and the victims spoke in Hausa.

In the video, one of the terrorists asked the victims where they were.

“We are in the bush,” a visibly distressed male victim replied.

When asked when they were abducted, he said, “Since April.”

The terrorist further asked, “So you’re still there?”

“Yes, we’re still here,” the victim replied.

Victims Deny ₦1 billion Ransom Claim

The terrorist then referred to reports that ₦1 billion and 30 Honda motorcycles had been handed over to secure their release.

“It was reported that ₦1 billion and thirty Honda motorcycles were given, and you were released. Is that true?” he asked.

The victim replied, “No. Whoever said that is lying.”

Asked again if the report was false, the victim said, “Yes. We are still here in the bush, suffering, and people are dying.”

The terrorist pressed further, “So, in short, what was reported that ₦1 billion and 30 motorcycles were handed over and you were released- is false?”

“It’s false. It’s completely false,” the victim responded.

The victim accused the authorities of misleading the public about their situation.

“The message I want to send is this: Honestly, our government, the people in power now, have deceived us. They should stop lying to us. We are still here in the bush, suffering. We know what we are going through: death and hunger.

“They lied by saying that we had been rescued, that people came, negotiated, secured our release, and freed us from the hands of the bandits. But here we are, still in the bush.

“We are exposed to the rain, hunger, and the scorching sun. Honestly, the government should stop telling lies about our situation,” he said.

The victims said they had spent 74 days in captivity, with no hope yet of regaining freedom.

They alleged that conditions in the terrorists’ camp had worsened and that some abductees had died due to hunger and exposure.