Bandits who abducted seven residents from Kuduru community in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on December 28 have now demanded a staggering N290 million ransom, along with drugs and foodstuffs, for the release of the hostages.
The abductors specified additional requests, including bags of rice, packs of Indomie, cough syrups, antibiotics, bed sheets, and cardigans for their use.
The victims, comprising a pregnant woman, three children, and four adults, have endured one month and four days in captivity.
A community leader, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that the bandits issued a grim ultimatum, threatening to kill two of the hostages if their demands were not met promptly.
“They insist that the N290 million ransom must be complete for them to let our people go,” emphasized the community leader, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Expressing concern for the hostages’ well-being, he pleaded with Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff to intervene swiftly, citing the deteriorating health of those in captivity due to harsh conditions.
“We know that they are trying their best, but we plead with them to rescue our families like they did for the six sisters and the Ariyos.
“We understand that these people are already falling sick in captivity because of the harsh weather and the treatment there,” he implored.
The community awaits a swift and effective response from the authorities to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
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