Kaduna Attack: Kidnappers Demand N900m Ransom

Following Sunday’s attack that led to the killing of two persons and abduction of about 20 people at Keke community of Kaduna Millennium City in Chikun Local Government Area of the state, Daily Trust gathered that the abductors have demanded a collective ransom of N900 million to release the victims.

A coordinated operation, which residents of Keke said lasted hours, saw gunmen who posed as security agents in military and police uniforms mount roadblocks in the community on Sunday night.

The gunmen were said to have killed two people, including a provision vendor who attempted to escape, and abducted at least 20 people.

Those abducted included a 19-year-old female food vendor whose family told our correspondent that the kidnappers had demanded N200 million for her release, failure of which they would “turn her into their wife.” The victim’s uncle, who didn’t want his name mentioned for security reasons, told Daily Trust that his niece was abducted while returning home around 8:30 pm.

“The kidnappers called us on Monday evening to demand for N200 million as ransom and then they called again yesterday [Tuesday] afternoon asking if the money was ready,” he said. “Her father is a commercial tricycle operator and the tricycle does not even belong to him. “They threatened that if we fail to raise the ransom she will become their wife,” he said.

Our correspondent made attempts to reach the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, but he did not respond to calls. Calls put to the Kaduna State Police command through the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige, also got no response.