Families of 176 persons abducted by terrorists in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have renewed calls on the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to urgently secure the release of their loved ones, who have reportedly spent nearly six months in captivity.

The appeal comes amid allegations that the abductors threatened to force the "beautiful" female captives into marriage while killing the remaining hostages.

Speaking in an interview monitored on the BBC Hausa Service, a Kaiama indigene, Abdul Ibrahim, said the affected communities had exhausted virtually all available options to secure the victims' freedom without success.

He disclosed that residents raised more than N155 million through community contributions to meet the kidnappers' ransom demand, but alleged that the terrorists rejected the money and refused to release the captives.

"We have done everything within our means. The money was raised, yet our people have not been released. Their suffering continues, and families are living in agony," Ibrahim said.

He further alleged that the terrorists warned they would marry the attractive female captives and kill the remaining hostages if their demands were not met.

According to him, peaceful demonstrations organised by the affected communities had also failed to attract the intervention needed to secure the victims' release.

Also speaking, the Dan Sardaukin Kaiama and Suleiman Bukata urged the Federal Government and security agencies to replicate the operations that recently led to the rescue of abductees in Oyo State by extending similar efforts to Kaiama.

Bukata said the successful rescue of the Oyo victims had rekindled hope among families in Kaiama, stressing that residents deserved the same level of commitment and protection from the authorities.

He warned that every additional day the victims remained in captivity exposed them to greater danger and hardship.