Wednesday, June 12, 2024 -Bandits have freed 40 out of the 150 residents they abducted in Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
Recall that a large number of
bandits invaded the community three weeks ago, killed seven people including four
security agents, and a veterinary doctor, and looted shops, houses and barns of farm produce before
abducting 150 residents.
It was gathered that victims, mostly women
and children, regained their freedom on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, after the
community paid N2 million ransom to the bandits.
Apart from the N2m ransom, the
community also contributed money to buy 12 Honda motorcycles valued at N1.2
million each which they gave to the bandits.
A source told the Premium Times that the
bandits are still holding on to 110 villagers for whose ransoms are being
negotiated.
According to the source, the bandits
have offered to release another batch of 40 hostages if the community could pay
another N2 million and provide six motorcycles.
The source said the bandits demanded N150 million ransom
before they could free the captives. The community, however, negotiated
N100,000 for each of the abducted residents which the bandits turned down.
“We have been
negotiating with the bandits but finally they agreed to collect six Honda
motorcycles and N2 million for the release of two groups totalling 40 in
number,” the source said.
“The 150 people they abducted were
divided into six groups, and they said we should bring six Honda motorcycles
and N2 million cash for each of the groups. This is after they rejected our
initial offer of N100,000 for each person. They have released two groups,
remaining four groups
"Since the incident, no single
government official or security agent has visited the community for an
on-the-spot assessment of what happened. The community is left without security
at the moment and it has remained deserted,” the source added.
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