In a recent development, bandits have established contact with the families of 47 abducted farmers from Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, demanding ₦94 million for their release. The Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Bagga Muhamadu, disclosed that the kidnappers are demanding ₦2 million for each of the victims. The victims, mostly women, were abducted from farms around Tungan Rimi in Ma’undu-Beri Ward of the council area on September 26 while harvesting groundnut.
According to the chairman, one of the abducted women had given birth while in captivity. He also stated that security personnel, supported by local vigilantes, had been mobilised to rescue the victims. However, the Niger State Police Command reported a lower preliminary figure, saying only 20 people were abducted at Mukura village, Kasuwan-Garba district, on September 26, and that joint security rescue efforts were ongoing.
In a separate incident, gunmen have reduced the ransom demanded for the release of 20 kidnapped prospective National Youth Service Corps members from ₦50 million to ₦5 million each, bringing the total amount to ₦100 million. The kidnappers had set a 24-hour deadline for the payment of the ₦50 million ransom, which expired on Sunday. One of the affected parents, Alimot Akande, disclosed that the amount had been downwardly reviewed to ₦5 million each.
Alimot Akande, whose sister Kehinde Akande is among the abducted corps members, described the situation as horrible, scary, and overwhelming. She stated that the kidnappers had begun beating the victims and were demanding that they impress upon their parents that failure to meet up with their fresh demand may result in something else. Akande also disclosed that one of the abducted corps members had been allowed to communicate with his father, but the calls were allegedly being used by the kidnappers as an avenue to monitor the family’s ability to raise money.
According to Akande, the families had been relying on assurances from the police while efforts continued to secure the money demanded by the abductors. The police are telling them to still be buying time, and they are still looking for the money. Depending on it, they will see the victims rescued. The situation has become more disturbing, with the abductors showing no restraint in their treatment of the victims.
The Niger State Police Command has not made an official statement on the incidents, but it is understood that joint security rescue efforts are ongoing. The state government has also not issued an official statement since the incidents occurred a week ago. The kidnappers’ demands have caused distress to the families of the victims, who are anxiously waiting for their loved ones to be rescued.
The incidents highlight the growing insecurity in Niger State, with bandits and kidnappers increasingly targeting innocent citizens. The government and security agencies have been urged to take decisive action to address the situation and ensure the safe release of the victims. The families of the victims are counting on the government and security agencies to rescue their loved ones and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- Bandits demand ₦94 million for 47 abducted farmers in Niger State.
- Ransom for 20 kidnapped NYSC members reduced to ₦100 million.
- Families of victims rely on police assurances as rescue efforts continue.
