Terrorists refuse to release captives after collecting N17million as ransom

A group of terrorists have refused to release the kidnapped members of the Janbako community in Maradun Local Government, Zamfara State after collecting a ransom of N17 million and a motorcycle from the community.

Penpushing reports that the community paid a total of N17million in instalments to the terrorists for the freedom of the victims who had spent over 40 days in captivity, as at the time of filing this report, with the hope that they would regain freedom.

The kidnappers, however, dashed hope of the residents of the community, as they(terrorists) held the victims in captivity, with a position that a total of N50million is being expected before the captives could regain freedom

Penpushing further reports that it is recalled that the bandits attacked the community on 15 August, 2023 and abducted 21 residents of the community mostly women and children, and three days later contacted the community demanding N50million as ransom.

The residents of the community, however, expressed concern over inability to raise such huge sum, adding that even as farmers and local traders, the ugly development has forced them to abandon work, and it was impossible to raise the money

‘When they said N50 million, we knew it would be impossible because we couldn’t gather such an amount. We’re nothing but farmers and local traders and farming is near impossible now’, a resident said.

‘When we took the money, they said we should try to get the balance before they kill our people. We had to source for the remaining N5.5 million to make it N17 million but before we took the money, they called and asked that we buy a brand new motorcycle as part of the ransom. It was a new request but we had no option.”

‘Even trading, how many people now go to local markets? It’s impossible because the bandits are all over the place abducting and killing people. So, we met and decided to ask them for a reduction. We’ve resorted to prayers now because we don’t know why they’re yet to release our families for us’, he added

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]