Bandits have demanded ₦94 million for the release of 47 farmers abducted from Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The demand was made after one week in captivity, with the kidnappers contacting relatives of some victims. The abducted farmers, mostly women, were taken from farms around Tungan Rimi in Ma’undu-Beri Ward on September 26 while harvesting groundnut under a "harvest and get your share" arrangement.
The Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Bagga Muhamadu, disclosed that the kidnappers are demanding ₦2 million for each victim. He also revealed that one of the abducted women had given birth while in captivity. The council chairman assured that security personnel, supported by local vigilantes, had been mobilised to rescue the victims.
The Niger State Police Command, however, reported a lower preliminary figure, stating that only 20 people were abducted at Mukura village, Kasuwan-Garba district, on September 26. The police confirmed that joint security rescue efforts were ongoing. The discrepancy in the number of abducted victims between the local government and the police command remains unclear.
The abduction occurred while the victims were engaged in harvesting groundnut under a "harvest and get your share" arrangement with a farmer. This arrangement allows farmers to hire workers to harvest their crops and pay them a share of the produce. The incident has raised concerns about the security of rural areas in Niger State.
Despite the incident occurring a week ago, there has been no official statement from the Niger State government. The lack of a government response has raised questions about the state's handling of the situation. The police and local authorities have been working to rescue the victims, but a coordinated effort from the state government is yet to be seen.
The kidnapping of the farmers has caused fear and anxiety among rural communities in Niger State. The demand for ₦94 million in ransom has also raised concerns about the growing trend of banditry and kidnapping for ransom in the country. The incident has highlighted the need for improved security measures to protect rural communities.
The families of the victims have yet to react publicly to the incident and the ransom demand. Efforts to reach them for comment were unsuccessful. The Niger State government and security agencies are expected to provide updates on the rescue efforts and the situation.
Key points
- - 47 farmers were abducted by bandits from Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State while harvesting groundnut. - The kidnappers are demanding ₦94 million, ₦2 million per victim, for their release. - One of the abducted women had given birth while in captivity.
