In a harrowing development, five local chiefs from Mandera County, Kenya, who were kidnapped by suspected Al-Shabaab militants, are being held captive in Jilib, Somalia.
The militants have demanded a ransom of Sh7 million for their release, according to intelligence reports.
The abducted officials were seized while on duty in Elwak, Mandera, and were swiftly moved across the border into Somalia, where they are now being held in Al-Shabaab-controlled camps.
The Kenyan government has responded by dispatching a delegation of community elders to Somalia to negotiate the safe return of the chiefs.
The elders, drawn from both Mandera and Nairobi, have been tasked with engaging directly with the militants in a bid to secure the release of the captives.
While negotiations are reportedly progressing, the exact amount of ransom money raised so far remains unclear, as elders from both regions have held separate meetings to initiate fundraising efforts.
The missing chiefs have been identified as Mohammed Adawa, Mohammed Hassan Kulmia, Abdi Hassan Suraw, Mohammed Noor Hache, and assistant chief Ibrahim Gabow.
Their abduction has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants operating along the Kenya-Somalia border.
In response to the incident, Kenyan security forces have intensified their efforts to gather intelligence and ensure the safe return of the abducted officials.
Police are also investigating how the kidnappers executed their plan, with several towns—including Wante, Qurqura, and Fino—under close surveillance.
Authorities suspect that some of the militants involved in the abduction may still be hiding within Kenya, and security teams have been deployed to these areas to prevent further attacks.
President William Ruto has assured the public that the government is taking all necessary measures to secure the release of the chiefs and strengthen security in the region.
In a statement, he emphasized the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and preventing future abductions.
“We are doing everything possible to bring our people back safely and to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” President Ruto said. He also urged locals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to aid in the fight against crime.
The abduction has reignited concerns over the growing frequency of such incidents in Kenya, particularly in regions bordering Somalia.
Al-Shabaab, a militant group with ties to Al-Qaeda, has been responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings in the area, often targeting local administrators, security personnel, and civilians.
The group’s activities have created a climate of fear and instability, prompting calls for more robust security measures.
Meanwhile, intelligence officials have shifted their focus to several towns, including Wante, Qurqura, Elele, Ires Kinto, Fino, and Kutayu, where it is believed the militants may have been hiding prior to the abduction.
Security operations in these areas are ongoing, with authorities determined to root out any remaining threats.
As negotiations continue, the families of the abducted chiefs and the wider community remain hopeful for a swift and peaceful resolution.
The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced cross-border cooperation and intelligence-sharing to combat the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab and ensure the safety of Kenyan citizens.
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