Kidnappers holding 28 travellers abducted in Plateau State have reiterated their demand for a ransom of ₦1.5 million for each adult victim, one week after the incident.
The victims include men, women and children who were seized last Sunday at Zak community in the Bashar district of Wase Local Government Area.
They were on their way to Sabon Layi community, also in Bashar district, to attend a Maulud Nabbiy event when their vehicle was stopped by armed men and the occupants taken into the surrounding bush.
Family members of the abducted travellers disclosed that the kidnappers initially made contact on Tuesday, demanding ₦1.5 million per victim. According to the relatives, the families appealed to the abductors, explaining that they were unable to raise the demanded amount.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Muhammed Hamisu, announced on the same day that security agencies had deployed soldiers and helicopters to the area in an effort to locate and rescue the victims.
The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed on Thursday that rescue operations were ongoing and that those behind the abduction would be apprehended. The command said an intelligence-driven team of detectives was immediately mobilised to the affected area.
However, speaking on Sunday, a relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Musa, said the kidnappers contacted the families again and remained firm on their demand.
He said, “They called again and said they have seen helicopters flying in the bush and searching for the victims. They told us, ‘We will not release them until the ransom is paid. That is all we need from you.”
It was gathered that relatives of the abducted travellers are still appealing to the kidnappers for their release, citing their poor financial condition as the reason they cannot meet the ransom demand.
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