Bandits demand N100m ransom for release of abductees

A few weeks ago, bandits abducted about 60 people from the Adunu and Kwagana communities in the Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State. They now insist on demanding a N100 million ransom to free the 56 remaining villagers.

Ten kids from the Government Day Secondary School in Awon, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State, have been kidnapped by bandits.

Before it was negotiated down to N100 million in Niger State, the bandits' ransom demand was N200 million.

In order to demonstrate their seriousness and persistence with their demand, the bandits executed five of the abductees last week for failing to meet the payment deadline. They also gave the 56 villager captives one week from the day of the execution to pay the ransom or they would be killed.

While holding their husbands captive until payment was made, the bandits freed three of the women after repeatedly raping them in order to warn the towns about the execution of the five persons.

Concerned youngsters from the affected villages have sent Secure Our Soul to Governor Abubakar Bello to have their people released.

The youth said that because it was beyond their purview, only this administration could arrange the release of their folks.

“The second deadline set by the bandits for the payment of the ransom expires in a few days. Urgent intervention by the government for the release of the victims has become very necessary,” they said.

The pupils were kidnapped on Monday, according to a statement made yesterday by Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs.

Aruwan said: “The Kaduna State government has received preliminary reports from security agencies on the kidnapping of about 10 students in Kachia LGA.”

Preliminary reports state that on Monday, kids from the day secondary school Government Secondary School, Awon, were abducted.

Although the exact location of the incident is yet unknown, the full reports that are being awaited will indicate whether it took place on school property or somewhere else.