“N150 Million Ransom or 5 Hostages Killed Daily”: Terrorists Set June 15 Deadline in Niger State

Terrorists in Niger State have issued a June 15 deadline for the families of 56 abductees to pay a ransom of N150 million. The terrorists threaten to kill five hostages daily if their demands are not met.

The abductions occurred on Sunday and Monday, with 30 people taken from Kakuru in Munya Local Government Area and 26 from Adogo Mallam and Tunga Kawo communities in Shiroro Local Government Area. These incidents follow closely on the heels of another mass abduction from the Kuchi community, located approximately five kilometers from Kakuru, where 150 villagers were seized last week.

One man from Kuchi, whose wife and four children were among those kidnapped, was released to gather N60 million for their freedom. The community’s initial offer of N60,000 per victim was rejected by the terrorists, who also turned down a subsequent offer of N100,000, stating that the sum was insufficient to cover their operational costs, including hiring guns and buying bullets.

A community source expressed despair, noting that the villagers cannot afford the demanded ransom and lamenting the lack of government intervention. “The entire community is in mourning. There’s no way people can afford this amount, and there’s no effort from anywhere to rescue the people,” the source said.

Local government officials have confirmed the abductions and ransom demands. Munya Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Najume, disclosed that two individuals were released to collect money for the ransom. “A man kidnapped with his wife and three children was sent to gather money, and an old man released on health grounds was asked to secure funds for his two children and their spouses still held captive,” Najume stated.

Najume further criticized the lack of security in the area, highlighting the community’s vulnerability due to the absence of security forces since the attacks began. “The government is aware of the situation, but nothing has been done,” he lamented.