By Our Correspondent

National News – At least 1,000 Nigerians abducted between January and April 2026 remain in captivity across Kwara, Borno, Niger, Kaduna, and Zamfara states, leaving families in deep distress as kidnappers increasingly refuse to make contact.

The victims—mostly women and children—were taken during coordinated attacks in rural communities, with many held in forest camps under harsh conditions.

Unlike previous incidents, abductors have gone silent, offering no ransom demands or proof of life, intensifying fear and uncertainty among relatives.

In Kwara State’s Woro community, 176 residents were kidnapped in February, with families still awaiting communication weeks later.

Relatives say the silence is more painful than ransom demands, as they struggle to confirm whether their loved ones are alive.

Similar cases have been reported in Borno, where over 300 people abducted in Gwoza remain missing, and in Niger State, where some victims have reportedly spent nearly a year in captivity.

Across Southern Kaduna and Zamfara, hundreds more have been taken, with sporadic or no communication from abductors.

In some cases, partial ransom payments failed to secure release, while others have reportedly died in captivity.

Families describe emotional trauma, financial strain, and a growing sense of abandonment by authorities.

Security officials say rescue efforts are ongoing, but analysts warn that the absence of communication complicates negotiations and makes operations more dangerous.

Community leaders and civil society groups are urging both federal and state governments to intensify rescue missions, strengthen security presence, and implement long-term strategies to prevent recurring attacks.

The crisis continues to disrupt livelihoods, with children dropping out of school and families collapsing under pressure.

For many, hope now hinges on swift government intervention and renewed efforts to locate and rescue the missing victims.