BREAKING: ‘People We Sent to Pay Ransom Got Lost, Military Men Directed Them’ — Ahmed

During an interview with TrustTV News on June 17, 2026, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, shared a personal account of the insecurity crisis in Nigeria, recounting the ordeal his nephew endured after being abducted by armed bandits.

His comments came amid growing public concern over the rising wave of kidnappings and insurgent attacks across the country. In recent days, many Nigerians have staged demonstrations demanding the safe return of pupils and teachers who were reportedly abducted by insurgents in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The protests have drawn attention to the continuing security challenges facing communities and educational institutions.

Speaking during the interview, Baba-Ahmed reflected on a painful experience involving a member of his own family. He explained that his nephew had been kidnapped and held captive by bandits, forcing the family into negotiations aimed at securing his release. According to him, the process of delivering the ransom demanded by the kidnappers was fraught with difficulties and uncertainty.

The PRP chairman revealed that the individuals assigned to take the ransom to the abductors encountered challenges locating the designated area. While trying to find their way, they reportedly approached military personnel for assistance. Baba-Ahmed said the soldiers informed them that they were heading in the wrong direction and provided guidance.

Recalling the incident, he stated: “The people we sent to deliver the money, and they said to the military guys, ‘We are looking for this direction; we were told to come here,’ and they said, ‘This is the wrong way.'”

His remarks offered a rare glimpse into the experiences many Nigerian families face when dealing with kidnappers and attempting to secure the release of loved ones. The account also highlighted the confusion and risks often associated with ransom negotiations in remote and insecure locations.

Baba-Ahmed’s revelation adds to the broader national conversation about insecurity, banditry, and abductions, issues that continue to affect communities across different parts of the country. As calls for stronger security measures grow louder, the experiences shared by victims and their families remain a reminder of the human cost of the ongoing crisis.