The gunmen who abducted 287 students and teachers from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, last week have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release, with a deadline set for March 27, 2024.
According to Reuters, the bandits contacted a spokesman for the hostages’ families on Tuesday to make their demand for the ransom.
Community leader Jubril Aminu, acting as the spokesman for the families, stated that the kidnappers gave a 20-day ultimatum to raise the ransom, threatening to harm the students and staff if the demand isn’t met.
Confirming the ransom demand, councillor Idris Ibrahim of Kuriga Ward in Chikun Local Government Area disclosed that the kidnappers made contact through Aminu’s number and reiterated the demand.
Meanwhile, tension has gripped the Kuriga community following the revelation of the bandits’ demand, with parents and residents expressing concern over their inability to meet the hefty ransom. Many families are reportedly experiencing trauma and fear, exacerbated by the uncertain fate of the abducted victims.
Idris emphasized the community’s inability to afford such a large sum, especially given their predominantly agricultural livelihoods and the economic challenges they face.
In response to the crisis, efforts are underway to secure the release of the abducted students, with the Kaduna State Government and security forces actively involved in the operation. However, concerns remain about the safety and well-being of the hostages as the deadline approaches.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, revealed that northern governors are deeply concerned about the escalating insecurity in the region. Following a closed-door meeting with security chiefs, governors emphasized the need for a change in approach to address the security challenges plaguing the North.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the Nigerian Army successfully rescued seven individuals, including two infants and five women, who had been kidnapped in Marange Village, Niger State, and held captive in Kuyambana Forest, Zamfara State, since January 2024. The rescue mission, conducted by troops of the Hadarin Daji, marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and restore peace in the region.
