Bandits have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the families of 19 abducted victims in their captivity to raise a N10 million ransom and three bags of rice or risk the lives of their loved ones.

City & Crime had reported that bandits three weeks ago invaded Kudiri village in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and whisked away 23 residents, but four among them escaped last week.

A relative of one of the victims, simply identified as Abdullahi, who spoke with our reporter on Monday, said the bandits’ leader called through telephone on Saturday and threatened to kill the 19 victims after seven days if their demands were not met.

He said, “Although the bandits’ leader earlier demanded N20m, after negotiation, he brought down the ransom on Saturday around 11am.”

He added that, “Some of the family members of the victims have started selling valuables, including crops, to raise the money.”

There was no response from the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command on the development. (Daily Trust)