The abductors of 28 travellers in Plateau State have given the families a 24-hour deadline to pay a ransom of N1.5 million for each individual, or face the execution of their loved ones.
The victims, which include men, women, and children, were taken by armed men on Sunday, December 21st, in the Zak community of the Bashar district while they were on their way to a Maulud Nabbiy celebration.
Family members of those kidnapped reported that the abductors contacted them later, demanding the ransom for each person before they would be set free.
One family member, who initially raised the alarm, mentioned that they pleaded with the kidnappers, explaining that they were poor farmers unable to gather such a large sum, but the gunmen remained firm in their demands.
A week after the abduction, the gang reiterated that the ransom must be paid within 24 hours, or the captives would be killed.
Ibrahim Musa, a relative of one of the victims, shared that the kidnappers seemed to be enraged after the Chairman of Wase LGA, Muhammed Hamisu, instructed security forces to do everything possible to secure the release of the abductees.
In response to this directive, state police spokesman, DSP Alfred Alabo, announced that a joint team of soldiers and police has been dispatched to the area, and helicopters have been sent to locate the victims, rescue them, and apprehend the kidnappers.
Musa expressed that the presence of the security forces and helicopters likely infuriated the kidnappers, who have now threatened to kill the victims if the ransom is not paid within the stipulated 24 hours.
“After a few days of silence, the kidnappers contacted us again on Sunday, stating they had observed helicopters searching the bush for the victims,” Musa informed reporters.
“They warned us that our relatives would be killed if the ransom is not paid within 24 hours. Right now, we are at a loss about what to do.