By CHUWANG DUNGS, Lafia

The story surrounding the recent release of the 6 kidnapped Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers in Nasarawa state, has assumed a different dimension after some of the released officials reacted to claim that they were rescued as a result of the joint efforts of security agencies, vigilante groups and hunters by the police.

Shortly after their released the spokesman of Nasarawa state Police command Ramham Nansel, claimed that no ransom was paid for their release.

“They were rescued by the security agencies comprising police and soldiers supported by vigilante groups and hunters,” he said.

But some of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to BBC Hausa Service, said the police lied.

One of them said, “What the police are saying is a big lie, there is no element of truth in it, the kidnappers established contact with our relatives, the money was withdrawn in Nasarawa town.

“They instructed that only the driver should come with the money; when the driver brought the money, they kept us aside and counted it to ensure it was complete, but because it was getting dark, they did not finish and asked the driver to go with us while they also proceeded into the bush shooting in the air.”

Another victim whose leg was amputated as a result of the gunshot from the incident said, “We paid ransom through our relatives before we were released; some paid N5m, others N6m.” (Nigerian Tribune)