Kidnappers Demand Additional N200 Million Ransom for Abducted NYSC Members in Zamfara
ZAMFARA STATE, Nigeria –
In a distressing turn of events, the abductors of seven members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from Akwa Ibom State, who were kidnapped in Zamfara State, have demanded N200 million as an additional ransom.
This demand comes after the families of the victims had already paid N13 million to secure their release.
The unfortunate incident unfolded on August 17 when the eight Akwa Ibom State graduates, on their way to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sokoto State, were abducted by unknown gunmen.
A source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the abductors had initially received N13 million as ransom, with the families making significant sacrifices to raise the funds. They paid N5 million initially and later added N8 million to meet the kidnappers’ demands. Some parents reportedly sold their lands, and others even took out loans to gather the required ransom.
However, despite fulfilling the ransom demands, the kidnappers did not release the captives as expected. Instead, they contacted the families once more, demanding an exorbitant additional sum of N200 million for the release of the seven corps members and the bus driver from the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) who is also in captivity.
The source lamented the dire situation, expressing concerns about how the families would manage to raise the new ransom amount. They further highlighted the lack of assistance from the government, emphasizing the immense financial and emotional toll this ordeal has taken on the affected families.
The news of this fresh demand for ransom has left the families in a state of shock and despair. They are now faced with the daunting task of raising an unprecedented amount to secure the release of their loved ones. The source also mentioned that they had decided to shield their mother from this distressing development, fearing that she might not be able to cope with the devastating news.
The situation remains critical, and the families of the abducted NYSC members are left grappling with the immense challenges posed by this ongoing hostage crisis.
The demand for N200 million has added an unbearable burden to their already dire circumstances, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support from relevant authorities.