Kidnappers holding five road construction workers abducted in Kwara State have demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for their release, relatives of the victims have disclosed.
The workers, including two officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Works, were seized about two weeks ago while working on the Sabaja–Owa-Onire road project in Isin Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on Monday, family members of the abducted men accused the state government of failing to provide adequate information or support since the incident occurred. The families were represented by Mr Dare Boyinbogun, who said the kidnappers insisted that negotiations must involve the government directly.
“According to them, discussions will only be held with the government or not at all,” Boyinbogun said.
He recounted that the gunmen attacked the construction site at about 11:40 a.m., whisking away five workers identified as Ademola Afolabi, Abdullahi Lade, Emmanuel Okuwadare Kayode, Fatai Akin, as well as their driver, Yusuf.
Boyinbogun said the abduction has plunged the families into deep distress, leaving them trapped between fear and uncertainty.
“Since that day, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair,” he said. “These men are not criminals. They are professionals and labourers contributing to the development of Kwara State. They left home to work, believing they would return safely.”
He added that the absence of the abducted men has worsened the condition of their families, many of whom rely entirely on them for daily survival.
“Every passing hour increases the pain. Wives, children and elderly parents are suffering. Some homes are already facing hunger, emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future,” he said.
The families appealed to the state government to establish direct communication with them, noting that they had been relying largely on rumours and unverified information circulating on social media.
“We need clear updates. We cannot continue to hear about our loved ones through hearsay,” Boyinbogun said.
They also called on the government to provide welfare assistance and psychological support to affected families.
One of the relatives, Mrs Idayat Lade, wife of one of the abducted workers, disclosed that she lost her unborn baby due to the emotional strain caused by the prolonged ordeal.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural communities where construction projects and travellers have increasingly become targets of kidnappers.
