Terrorists Yet To Release Captives Despite Being Paid N17 Million In Ransom

A group of terrorists in the Zamfara State have refused to release captives belonging to the Janbako community, despite being paid N17 million as ransom.

The terrorists collected a ransom of N17 million alongside a motorcycle from the Janbako community in Maradun Local Government, but refused to release the kidnapped, who have been in captivity for over 40 days, Premium Times reported on Sunday.

The terrorists abducted 21 Janbako residents -- mostly women and children -- on Aug. 15.

A resident of Janbako named Saidu Samaila disclosed that his two wives, Rayyanatu and Farisha, along with his daughter, Halimatu, and niece, Sha'awa, were kidnapped by the terrorists.

"In all, they took about 21 people in our town, most of them being women and children," he said.

Three days after the abduction, the bandits demanded N50 million in ransom.

Kasimu, another resident of the community, revealed details about the discussions in the community, following the demand for ransom.

"When they said N50 million, we knew it would be impossible because we couldn't gather such an amount," Kasimu said. "We're nothing but farmers and local traders and farming is near impossible now. Even trading, how many people now go to local markets?"

Kasimu, whose sister was among the abducted, said it was impossible to go trading because these bandits were "all over the place abducting and killing people. So, we met and decided to ask them for a reduction," Premium Times reported.

After several discussions, the bandits agreed to accept N17 million. However, the community was able to manage only N10.5 million. The rest was sourced from nearby communities.

"When we took the money, they said we should try to get the balance before they kill our people," Janbako community leader, whose name was not disclosed due to security reasons, said. "We had to source for the remaining N5.5 million to make it N17 million but before we took the money, they called and asked that we buy a brand-new motorcycle as part of the ransom."

The leader noted the demand for the motorcycle was new, but they had to fulfil it.

Samaila said they are now resorting to prayers, as they have no clue when the community's family members will get released.

Nigeria is suffering from a kidnap epidemic as within one year, 3,620 individuals were abducted between July 2022 to June 2023.