Update on the abducted sisters in Abuja

Seven days after some suspected robbers kidnapped two sisters from their residence in Karmo, Abuja, family members say the kidnappers are still insisting on collecting N150m ransom to release the ladies.

A relative, Mr. Amade Opaluwa, said the family had not left a stone unturned to make sure that the victims return home safe and sound, but added that the kidnappers seemed unwilling to negotiate the ransom.

Amade, who is an uncle to the abducted sisters, told Punch correspondent on the telephone on Sunday that the kidnappers were becoming impatient and harsh in their discussions with the family.

He said, “The kidnappers have become very harsh lately in their conversations with the family. They are still insisting on the N150m ransom. Unfortunately, they do not allow us to talk to the girls. And also, we are not able to call them on the telephones, only they can call us.”

He called on Nigerians to intensify prayers on behalf of the family for the safe release of their daughters, adding that the family was also relying on God’s intervention.

“I use this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians to help us with prayer. What we need is constant prayers for the safe release of our sisters. Everybody is getting increasingly worried,” Amade said.

Ejura and Unekwu Opaluwa, who were 23 and 19 years respectively, were kidnapped in the evening of Sunday, June 8.

The victims’ father, Samson, is a director of the Federal Ministry of Work.

The suspected gunmen had made away with the two ladies after they had raided the entire house and dispossessed the family of their valuables.

The attackers were said to have left with the two girls when they did not get as much money as they expected. The family had reported the case at the Life Camp Police Division in Abuja.