Residents of Ungwan Nungu in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State are gripped by fear after terrorists issued fresh threats of violent retaliation, accusing the community of tipping off soldiers who ambushed their members during a ransom‑collection attempt.
Community sources told SaharaReporters on Friday that ten villagers—six women and four men—were abducted on November 29 while working on their farms. Abductions on farmlands have become a disturbing pattern in the area.
According to residents, troops intercepted the terrorists on Friday as they attempted to receive ransom payment for the abducted victims. The operation reportedly resulted in the killing of two terrorists and the recovery of an AK‑47 rifle, ammunition, and about ₦1.6 million believed to be ransom money.
A Hausa‑language voice note obtained by SaharaReporters captured the terrorists accusing the community of collaborating with the military and vowing to avenge the deaths of their members and the loss of their rifle.
One resident confirmed that the threatening recording was sent shortly after the ambush.
“The voice note is from the terrorists who are threatening us after two of them were suspected to have been killed,” he said.
Terrorists Vow “Retaliation” and Demand Payment for Seized Rifle
In the audio, a terrorist spokesperson accused the villagers of betrayal and promised a sweeping revenge campaign across farms, villages, and roads if the community failed to pay for the seized AK‑47.
“Is that why you sent soldiers to us?” the speaker said.
“I swear to God, everything the soldiers did to us, we shall repay. If we are still alive, we will definitely retaliate… From the farms to the villages to the roads, including the security operatives, we will be attacking you unless you pay for the rifle.”
The terrorists claimed they would return “fully prepared” by next month, adding that the missing weapon would be paid for “one way or another.”
Previous Attacks Heighten Fear
Residents also recalled an earlier attack in Ungwan Nungu during which about 15 people, mostly children, were abducted.
A villager explained that some victims—including a man identified as Zuberu Adiga—were later released after they became too weak to keep up with the terrorists’ movements.
Community Denies Allegations, Says Military Is Also Pressuring Them
A representative of the community was heard in the recording denying the terrorists’ accusations. He said villagers had no role in alerting soldiers and were themselves being accused by the military of withholding information about ransom dealings.
“The Nigerian military is angry because yesterday we took money to deliver to you and didn’t inform them,” the villager said.
“Even today, we refused to tell them anything. They are blaming us, asking why we are communicating with you people.”
Community Left Vulnerable
Residents of Ungwan Nungu say the threats have left them terrified, with fears that farmlands, access roads, and surrounding settlements may soon come under renewed attack.
Despite recent military operations in the area, locals insist they remain exposed and without adequate protection from armed groups that continue to terrorize rural communities across Kaduna State.
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