Armed bandits on Thursday demanded a N60 million ransom from families of abducted worshippers from Maza-Kuka community in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State if they want their relatives released alive.

According to an impeccable source, who sought anonymity, the abductors threatened that if the ransom is not paid as soon as possible they may not see their relatives alive.

It should be recalled that, some persons were confirmed killed and 11 abducted including the Chief Imam of the community.

“They (kidnappers) called one of our villagers and demanded N60 million as ransom before those kidnapped can regain their freedom. The whole community is confused; we are still worried about those kidnapped. They threatened that if we do not pay the amount demanded we may not see them again,” the source said.

It should be noted that the state government has reiterated that it will not yield or succumb to paying ransom.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Kuryas in a statement, however, said an unspecified number of persons were killed and only seven persons were abducted.

He assured that armed security personnel had since been deployed to the area to ensure the arrest of miscreants undermining the peaceful coexistence among residents.

Courtesy (excluding headline) New Telegraph

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