By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Bandits demand N1 billion ransom for abducted Kaduna school children
Bandits who abducted 287 pupils from a public school in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, last week, have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the release of the children.
The kidnappers made contact through the principal of the school, Abubakar Isah, who was also abducted alongside the students. They reached out to Aminu Kuriga, a friend of the principal, requesting the ransom amount on Tuesday.
Residents briefed the Kaduna State government about the conversation and were instructed to proceed with caution.
The location where the ransom is demanded is within the Kwiambana Game Reserve, a notorious forest spanning Nigeria’s North-west and North-central regions. This forest, predominantly in Zamfara State, has been a stronghold for criminal activities.
The Kaduna State Government has not officially commented on the situation. Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, were unsuccessful.
The police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, stated that the command was not aware of the development but assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the children without paying any ransom.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has vowed not to negotiate with kidnappers or pay any ransom for abducted victims. Information Minister Mohammed Idris reiterated the president’s stance, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the unconditional release of all kidnapped individuals.
The demand for such a hefty ransom underscores the gravity of the security challenges posed by banditry in Kaduna State and the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the situation.
Bandits demand, Kaduna, abduction, ransom, President Bola Tinubu