Gonin Gora community in the Kaduna metropolis, finds itself ensnared in the clutches of terror as terrorists have abducted 16 of its residents. This suburb, located in the Chikun Local Government Area, was thrust into turmoil on February 28 when assailants descended upon it, perpetrating an act of abductions that has sent shockwaves through the region.
John Yusuf, a community leader, has disclosed the chilling demands of the terrorists: a ransom of N40 trillion, 11 Hilux vans, and 150 motorcycles in exchange for the release of the captives. Such an exorbitant demand has left the community reeling, with Yusuf expressing incredulity at the sheer magnitude of the sum. “Where are we going to get this kind of money?” he questioned. “Even Nigeria as a country has never made a budget of N40 trillion.”
This ransom demand comes hot on the heels of another tragedy in the neighboring community of Kuriga, where 287 schoolchildren were abducted merely four days prior. The recurrence of such heinous acts underscores the urgent need for intervention.
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Yusuf recounted the terror inflicted upon Gonin Gora, revealing that the abductions occurred not once, but twice within a span of a week. The initial attack saw three individuals taken captive, followed by a subsequent assault that resulted in the abduction of 13 more, bringing the total to 16.
The vulnerability of the community is further worsen by the vast swathes of dense foliage that encircle it, stretching from Gonin Gora to Birnin Gwari—a distance exceeding 150 kilometers. This geographical reality provides an unhindered conduit for criminals to infiltrate the area with impunity.
In light of these dire circumstances, Yusuf issued a fervent plea to the government for assistance. He implored authorities to establish a military presence in the region to stem the tide of criminal activities and restore a sense of security to the beleaguered community.
The Situation of Gonin Gora serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in Nigeria and the urgent need for concerted action to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of its citizens. As the community grapples with this ordeal, the hope for a swift resolution and the safe return of the abducted individuals remains paramount.