Bandits operating in Niger state have demanded a staggering N290 million as ransom for the release of seven individuals, including a pregnant woman and three children, who were abducted from the Kuduru community in Tafa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger state.
The victims, taken on December 28, 2023, are reportedly facing threats to their lives as the bandits have set a strict deadline for the payment of the ransom.
The abductors have also specified additional items, including food supplies, drugs, bed sheets, and cardigans, that must be provided for the safe release of the hostages.
A community leader, speaking anonymously, disclosed the bandits’ demands and expressed the urgent need for intervention from security forces.
“They have reached out to us to bring N290 million to secure their release, or they will kill two of them. We have a pregnant woman and three children among them,” the source stated.
“They asked us to bring bags of rice, packs of Indomie, cough syrups, antibiotics, bedsheets, and cardigans for the bandits’ use. They insist that the N290 million ransom must be complete for them to let our people go.”
The community leader urgently appealed to authorities, including Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Army Staff Taoreed Lagbaja, to intervene and ensure the swift and safe release of the abducted individuals.