Families of Abducted Kwara Construction Workers Plead for Urgent Rescue Amid ₦500 Million Ransom Demand

Families of five construction workers kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Kwara State have made an urgent appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Federal Government for swift action, following a ₦500 million ransom demand by the kidnappers, who reportedly insist on negotiating only with the state government.

The workers were seized in broad daylight about two weeks ago while working on the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road. Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the families, Pastor Ademola and Mallam Issa Abdullah described their situation as “broken families united by fear, pain and uncertainty.”

According to the families, armed men stormed the construction site around 11:40 a.m., abducting five workers — Ademola Afolabi, Abdullahi Lade, Fatal Akin — along with their driver, Yusuf Emmanuel Kayode.

“Since that moment, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair,” the families said. “These men were not criminals. They were professionals, 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 kidnappers have reportedly used the victims’ phones to demand ₦500 million, insisting that negotiations be conducted only with government authorities. While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the police, military, and local vigilantes, the families warned that time is 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,” the families said.

They called on the government to intensify rescue efforts, establish direct communication with affected families, provide immediate welfare and counselling support, and strengthen security along rural roads and construction sites.

“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,” the families urged.

“They also appealed directly to the abductors to release the men unharmed, adding, “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.”

Speaking to Afrika Eyes, Idayat Lade, wife of one of the victims, broke down in tears, saying, “Please help me bring my husband back alive. I just lost a baby. I want my husband alive,” as her children watched. Another wife, Funmilayo, also tearfully begged Governor AbdulRazaq to ensure the safe return of their husbands.