The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger State for the 2027 elections, Malam Muhammad Nami, has condemned the abduction of 15 Islamiyyah girls and a teacher in Maikujeri village, Rafi Local Government Area of the state, demanding their immediate rescue.
Nami described the incident as wicked and heartless, saying it reflected the worsening insecurity confronting communities across Niger State.
He expressed concern over reports that the abductors were demanding N100 million for the release of the victims, warning that the situation had heightened the anguish of their families and the affected community.
The PDP candidate also criticised the Niger State Government for what he described as its failure to publicly address the incident more than a week after the abduction.
According to him, the government’s silence, amid preparations for the forthcoming governorship election, was unacceptable and amounted to an abandonment of the victims and their families.
He said the government had neither issued a statement of sympathy nor sent representatives to reassure the traumatised parents, adding that there had been no clear commitment to addressing the state’s security challenges.
“There has been no pledge, no plan, and no commitment to address the security challenges in the state. This silence is a betrayal of leadership and an abandonment of the victims and their families,” he said.
Nami called on the state government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted girls and their teacher.
He stressed that the people of Niger State deserved a government that would stand with them during difficult times rather than remain silent when their children were in captivity.
The PDP candidate urged authorities to treat the incident with urgency and ensure the safe return of the victims to their families.
