The kidnappers of Zamfara wedding guests have demanded a ransom of N145 million.
The kidnappers of the Zamfara wedding guests have demanded a ransom of N145 million to ensure the victims' release.
Over 50 guests returning from a wedding in Sokoto State were abducted on Saturday evening in Dogon Awo, a community between Tureta and Bakura located on the borders of Sokoto and Zamfara States.
However, more than 20 of the victims later escaped while some were rescued by security agencies in collaboration with local vigilantes.
They are said to be smartphones and accessories dealers at the popular Bebeji Plaza in Gusau, the Zamfara state capital.
According to the secretary of an association to which the victims belonged in Zamfara State, Ashiru Zurmi, the bandits have been contacting the union through one of the victims’ phones and have demanded N145million as ransom before they will be released.
“The N145 million demanded means it is N5 million on each of the persons, but we have not negotiated yet because we told them we don’t have the money and it is an association and they told us to ask the government,”
"We are the only ones communicating with the bandits using one of the victims' phones."
Zurmi praised the security agencies' efforts, saying they have been doing everything possible to rescue the union's abducted members since the incident occurred.
"To be honest, they (the security operatives) have been doing everything they can since Saturday to ensure they (the victims) return safely."
