Families Receive Ransom Demands After Worshippers Ambushed on Way to Religious Festival in Nigeria

Fear and grief have gripped several communities in Nigeria after armed attackers ambushed civilians traveling to a religious festival, abducting dozens of people, including women and children. Families of the victims now say they are receiving ransom demands, deepening concerns over the country’s worsening insecurity.

Ambush on a Sacred Journey

According to relatives and community sources, the victims were traveling in a group when they were intercepted by gunmen, believed to be part of criminal gangs that operate across remote highways and forested areas. The attack occurred as families made preparations to participate in a religious celebration, turning what should have been a moment of faith and unity into one of terror.

Witnesses report that the attackers blocked the road, fired shots into the air, and forcefully took passengers away into nearby bushes. Vehicles were abandoned at the scene, while survivors fled for safety.

Ransom Calls Begin

In the days following the attack, families say they have begun receiving phone calls demanding large sums of money in exchange for the release of their loved ones. Some relatives report that the kidnappers have issued threats, warning against contacting security agencies.

“They are asking for money we don’t have,” one family member said. “We are desperate and afraid.”

Negotiations are often carried out privately, as families fear that delays or police involvement could endanger the captives.

Kidnapping for Ransom: A Persistent Threat

Kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge in parts of Nigeria, particularly along rural roads and in regions where armed groups exploit weak security presence. Criminal gangs frequently target travelers, worshippers, students, and farmers, viewing abductions as a lucrative business.Despite government assurances and ongoing military operations, many communities say road travel remains unsafe, especially during festive seasons when movement increases.

Calls for Government Action

Community leaders and human rights advocates are urging authorities to:

• Increase security patrols on highways
• Strengthen intelligence gathering
• Provide better protection during religious and cultural eventsSupport affected families, especially those unable to meet ransom demands

There are also renewed calls for long-term solutions, including tackling unemployment, strengthening local policing, and dismantling criminal networks.

Nation in Mourning and Prayer

As negotiations continue behind the scenes, families of the abducted victims remain in anguish, holding onto hope that their loved ones will return safely. Religious leaders across the region have called for prayers, unity, and restraint, while urging the government to act decisively.

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