In a distressing turn of events, bandits who abducted seven residents from Kuduru community in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on December 28 have issued a ransom demand of N290 million along with specific requests for drugs, foodstuffs, and other supplies to secure the release of the hostages.
The victims, which include a pregnant woman, three children, and four adults, have now been in captivity for one month and four days. The bandits, displaying a ruthless stance, have reportedly threatened to kill two of the captives if their demands are not met promptly.
A community leader, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that the abductors have outlined their requirements, which extend beyond monetary compensation. In addition to the N290 million ransom, the bandits are demanding essential items such as bags of rice, packs of Indomie (instant noodles), cough syrups, antibiotics, bed sheets, and cardigans for their use.
“They have reached out to us to bring N290 million to secure their release or that they will kill two of them. We have a pregnant woman and three children among them.
“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 disclosed.
Expressing concern for the well-being of the captives, the community leader pleaded for urgent intervention from authorities, specifically addressing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja.
“We know that they are trying their best, but we plead with them to rescue our families like they did to the six sisters and the Ariyos,” he implored.
The dire situation in captivity has reportedly taken a toll on the health of the abducted residents, further emphasizing the urgency of a swift and effective rescue operation. The community awaits the response of law enforcement agencies as they strive to secure the safe release of their fellow community members.
