Families Of Abducted Kwara Construction Workers Cry Out As Terrorists Demand N500m, Insist On Negotiating Only With Govt

Ilorin,  Kwara State– Families of five government construction workers abducted by suspected terrorists in Kwara State have issued a desperate appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Federal Government, following a ₦500 million ransom demand by the kidnappers, who reportedly insist on negotiating directly with the Kwara State Government.

The workers were abducted in broad daylight about 15 days ago while carrying out construction work along the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in the state.

Speaking during an emotional press conference on behalf of the families, Pastor Ademola and Mallam Issa Abdullah described the victims’ relatives as “broken families united by fear, pain and uncertainty.”

According to them, at about 11:40 a.m. on the day of the incident, armed men suspected to be bandits stormed the construction site and whisked away five innocent workers — Ademola Afolabi, Abdullahi Lade, Fatal, Akin — alongside their driver, Yusuf Emmanuel Kayode.

“Since that moment, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair,” the families said.

They stressed that the abducted men were neither criminals nor adventurers but professionals and labourers contributing to the development of Kwara State.

“They went to work that morning believing they would return home safely. Instead, their families have been thrown into anguish,” the spokespersons said.

The families disclosed that the terrorists have been using the victims’ phones to contact relatives, demanding ₦500 million and stating categorically that they would only negotiate with the government for the release of the kidnapped workers.

While acknowledging reported efforts by the police, military and local vigilantes, the families warned that time was running out.

“Every passing hour deepens the trauma of the families, especially the wives, children and elderly parents who depend entirely on these men for survival. Many of these families have no other source of income. Beyond fear for their lives, there is now hunger, psychological distress and total uncertainty,” they said.

The families made several urgent demands, including intensified rescue efforts by the Kwara State Government and security agencies, direct communication with affected families, immediate welfare and counselling support, and stronger security presence along construction corridors and rural roads.

The family appeal, “We call on the Kwara State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and treat this abduction as a top-priority emergency until every victim is safely returned.

“We urge government to establish direct communication with the affected families, so we are not left to rely on rumours and social media for information about our loved ones.

“We appeal for immediate support for the families of the abducted workers, including welfare assistance and counselling, as many households are already in distress.

“We ask for stronger security presence along construction corridors and rural roads to prevent further attacks on innocent workers and residents.
It is about lives. It is about the safety of ordinary Nigerians who leave home every day to earn an honest living.

“This is not just about infrastructure. It is about lives. It is about the safety of ordinary Nigerians who leave home every day to earn an honest living,” they said.

They also appealed directly to the abductors to release the men unharmed.

“To the authorities, we say: do not let these families become forgotten statistics. Let action speak louder than assurances. We will continue to speak until our loved ones return home alive,” the families vowed.

Speaking to Afrika Eyes, one of the victims’ wives, Idayat Lade, broke down in tears while pleading with the Kwara State and Federal Governments to rescue her husband.

“Please help me bring my husband back alive. I just lost a baby. I want my husband alive,” she cried, surrounded by her children.

Another wife, Funmilayo, also tearfully appealed to Governor AbdulRazaq, begging him to ensure the safe return of their husbands.