The gunmen who kidnapped 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, have reportedly contacted the victims’ families, demanding a N1.5 million ransom for each person.
The 28 travellers fell victims to the kidnappers on Sunday night while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration in Sabon Layi community, also in Bashar District.
Gunmen reportedly search ambushed their vehicle, abducted the passengers and abandoned the vehicle at the scene.
A relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Musa, told Daily Trust on Tuesday that the abductors had contacted the families and insisted on the payment of N1.5 million per person to secure their release.
“The kidnappers called me last night and said we must pay N1.5 million for each person, regardless of age or gender. But they assured us that our people are in good hands and nothing will happen to them,” Ibrahim said.
He said he pleaded with the kidnappers, telling them that the families were poor and could not afford such an amount.
“I told them we are villagers and don’t have that kind of money. Life is not easy for us here. Many of the victims are teenagers, and their parents cannot raise that amount. So I begged them to have mercy on us,” he added.
Police in Plateau State had on Monday confirmed the incident, saying it had commenced an investigation.
Meanwhile, residents of the area have called for increased security measures to curb the growing cases of kidnapping, banditry and cattle rustling in Wase LGA, lamenting the persistent criminal activities in their communities.
