A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked fresh concerns over the worsening kidnapping crisis in North-West Nigeria, showing two elderly men allegedly being held captive by armed bandits in a remote forest location.
In the footage, the two men appear frail and visibly distressed as they appeal to government authorities, family members, and concerned individuals to secure their release.
The captives claim they are battling health challenges and are struggling to access adequate food, water, and medical care while in captivity.
One of the armed men featured in the video, whose face was concealed with a mask, was seen brandishing a large knife while displaying several medications.
He claimed the drugs were being used to keep the hostages alive despite their deteriorating condition.
The captors also issued a warning in the video, demanding the immediate payment of ransom and threatening severe consequences if their demands are not met.
The gunmen alleged that the lives of the elderly men would be at risk should negotiations fail.
The identities of the victims and the exact location of the incident could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The video has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the continued wave of abductions and insecurity affecting communities across the North-West and other parts of the country.
Security experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger measures to tackle kidnapping networks, which have continued to target travellers, farmers, students, and vulnerable residents despite ongoing security operations.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the video.
