A heartbroken farmer from Kontagora, Mallam Ibrahim Kontagora, is grappling with the harrowing ordeal of his son Suleiman’s abduction.
The young captive was kidnapped while working on their family farm near the Army Barracks in Kontagora, and his captivity has stretched into two months. Initially, the abductors demanded N10 million, but after lengthy negotiations, the ransom was reduced to N2 million.
Sadly, before Ibrahim could gather the amount, the kidnappers sold Suleiman to another group, who then raised the ransom to N3 million.
Ibrahim’s attempts to secure his son’s release have been fraught with challenges. As a farmer, he struggles to raise money, relying on the harvest of his crops, which has been delayed by the situation.
The kidnappers, aware of his difficulties, have grown increasingly impatient, and agitated, issuing dire threats to harm Suleiman if the ransom is not paid promptly. These threats, including the possibility of severing Suleiman’s hands, have only heightened Ibrahim’s anguish and desperation.
Despite the immense pressure, Ibrahim has been relentless in his efforts to save his son. He has reached out to relatives, friends, and neighbors for assistance while simultaneously trying to sell his crops and other possessions.
However, the financial demand remains insurmountable, leaving him caught in a brutal cycle of hope and despair. His determination is evident, but the lack of resources and support from authorities adds to his frustration.
The situation has taken a heavy emotional toll on Ibrahim and his family. The prolonged uncertainty about Suleiman’s fate, coupled with the kidnappers’ escalating demands, has left them in a state of constant fear and anxiety.
The broader community has also expressed concern about Ibrahim’s plight, highlighting the growing insecurity in the region. Many sympathize with his struggles, as abductions have become alarmingly frequent in Kontagora and surrounding areas.
The community has called on the government and security agencies to intervene decisively to address the rampant kidnappings and restore a sense of safety.
In his remarks, “Initially, they were demanding N10 million but after bargaining, they agreed that I should pay N2 million. They said farmers are rich. While I was struggling to raise the N2 million, the group that kidnapped my son sold him out to another group. So, it is the new group that increased the ransom to N3 million.”