Parents of the abducted students from the Federal University Gusau (FUG) in Zamfara State have sounded the alarm over threats to the lives of their children. The parents, in a desperate appeal, have urged the federal government to intervene swiftly and ensure the safety of their children.
The plea comes after bandits, who recently threatened the lives of the female students, demanded specific actions from the government. Reports indicate that fresh evidence suggests the bandits have selected a new leader who is now in custody of the students, and they have threatened to start killing them if their demands are not met. One of the demands includes the release of certain bandits’ commanders currently held by security operatives.
Since the abduction of the students, there has been an ongoing underground dialogue led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Defence Headquarters, and the Department of State Service (DSS) aimed at securing the release of the students. However, the situation has become more precarious with the recent threats from the bandits.
Parents, who received messages through third parties, revealed that WhatsApp audio messages released by the abductors contain threats to slaughter some of the students if their demands are not met. The bandits have expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the situation and are insisting on the release of their detained colleagues.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts, the bandits have given a seven-day ultimatum for their demands to be met, raising concerns about the safety of the abducted students. The bandits’ demands include the release of their detained members, particularly commanders, as a condition for sparing the lives of the university girls.
The situation has created anxiety among families, especially after the recent killing of the bandit leader, Ali Kachalla, by the Nigerian Air Force. The bandits, now under new leadership, are issuing ultimatums and threats, putting the lives of the abducted students in further jeopardy.
Parents of the abducted students are calling on the government to reconsider its approach and engage in dialogue with the bandits to ensure the safe release of their children. They express fear that a kinetic approach may lead to harm for the students caught in the crossfire between security forces and the bandits. The parents emphasize the urgent need for the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of the abducted students.
