Gunmen demand N145m ransom to free abducted party guests

Some gunmen who abducted party guests attending a wedding ceremony in Zamfara state have demanded a ransom of N145million to set them free.

The kidnappers are said to have demanded N5 million for each of the 29 victims in their captivity.

The victims were returning from the party, held in Sokoto State, when they were abducted in Dogon Awo, a community between Tureta and Bakura located on the borders of Sokoto and Zamfara States.

At least 20 of the victims reportedly escaped through the combined efforts by security agencies and local vigilantes.

The victims are said to be smartphones and accessories dealers at the popular Bebeji Plaza in Gusau, the Zamfara state capital.

Ashiru Zurmi, the secretary of the phone dealers association in the state, said that the bandits contacted the union, using one of the victims’ phone.  “The N145 million demanded means it is N5 million on each of the persons, but we have not negotiated yet because we told them we don’t have the money and it is an association and they told us to ask the government,” Zurmi said.

“We are the only people communicating with the bandits with one phone that belongs to one of the victims.”

Zurmi commended the effort of the security agencies, saying they have been ensuring their best to rescue the abducted members of the union since the incident happened.

“Honestly, they (the security operatives) are doing their best since Saturday to make sure they (the victims) return safely.”

 

Source: Channels