“According to reports, the bandits have demanded a ransom of N40 trillion for the release of the 16 residents abducted from Kaduna’s Gonin Gora area.”
In an interview with reporters on Monday, John Yusuf, a prominent figure in the community, revealed that the bandits had reached out to the families of the abducted victims, making an unprecedented demand of 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles, in addition to a staggering ransom of N40 trillion.
This demand marks a significant escalation in the ongoing issue of abduction for ransom in Nigeria, setting a disturbing precedent for future incidents.
The grim reality of this situation was underscored by a recent attack on February 28, where bandits killed two individuals in Anguwan Auta, Gonin Gora, and took several others captive.
In response to this tragedy, enraged residents took to the Kaduna-Abuja highway on February 29, blocking it for hours to protest against the violence and abductions.
Yusuf lamented the frequency of attacks, noting that the bandits had struck the community twice within the span of a week.
“The bandits have contacted us, demanding an exorbitant sum of N40 trillion, along with 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles, for the release of the 16 individuals they are holding captive,” Yusuf stated, expressing the community’s despair at such an unattainable demand.
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He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, highlighting the vulnerable position of communities in Birnin Gwari, which are surrounded by dense bushland that serves as hideouts for the criminals.
Yusuf appealed for the establishment of a military base behind their community to curb the bandits’ operations effectively.”The army has been responsive to our distress calls, despite being overstretched.
However, by the time they arrive, the bandits have already inflicted harm and fled,” Yusuf explained, illustrating the challenges faced by the community in combating the relentless attacks.
While commending the efforts of the Nigerian Army in combating banditry, Yusuf issued a stark warning, urging the federal government to take decisive action before the situation spirals further out of control.
“If not addressed promptly, the scourge of banditry will continue to devastate our communities,” he cautioned.
