Photo: Kidnappers on the prowl nationwideÂ
Kidnappers of NYSC members demand additional N70m after collecting N30m
The kidnappers of prospective corps members from Akwa Ibom State, who were earlier abducted on August 17, while they were on their way to orientation camp in Sokoto State, have demanded for additional N70 million ransom after initially collecting about N30 million.
The harrowing turn of events, has put their families in palpable anxiety, distress and desperation as they continued to grapple with the open ended exorbitant ransoms for their release.
Mr Mfon Friday, a member of the affected families, revealed to newsmen that the escalating demand for ransom which has been paid so far has reached a staggering N30.8 million.
He said that their abductors had not released the victims despite the payments totalling N30.8 million, which comprised an initial payment of N17.2 million and an additional N13.6 million.
He said: “Our children are still in Zamfara bush, including the driver of AKTC, and it is over 100 days since they were kidnapped.
“The kidnappers have demanded another N70 million this week, threatening dire consequences if the amount isn’t paid promptly.”
A source within the affected families, disclosed that some of the female victims who were released last month were seriously ill, while the remaining seven captives were ill too.
The kidnappers’ demands for a substantial ransom allegedly stem from the sickness of the corp members, heightening fears for their safety.
The families’ desperation has led to a plea for urgent intervention from government authorities, well-meaning citizens, and the general public.
One of the victim’s siblings, who spoke in confidence after the affected families met in Uyo recently, disclosed that the abductors were paid the N17.2 million ransom before they released the female victims last month, who they gathered were seriously sick.
“In fact, I learned that the remaining seven have also fallen seriously sick, and that is why the kidnappers are demanding this huge ransom and threatening that if we don’t pay very soon, those children will die.
“I am scared; I don’t want my sister to die. We are orphans, we struggled to go to school,” she lamented.
The absence of swift action to rescue these young graduates has fueled frustration and anxiety among the families, prompting calls for immediate assistance to prevent a tragic outcome.
