Abductors of two female students of Kogi State Polytechnic (Itakpe campus) and non-academic staff of Confluence University of Science and Technology N3 million ransom.
The three of them were kidnapped on Sunday at a Living Faith Church located in Osara community, Adavi LGA of Kogi state during a night rehearsal.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N30 million to secure their release, N10million for each of them. After much pleading, the abductors reduced the ransom to N3 million.
A relative of one of the abducted students, who pleaded anonymity, said that the kidnappers have been in touch with family members of the abducted student and varsity staff.
“That actually demanded N30million. Some relatives who engaged the kidnappers begged and it was reduced to N1million for each of the abductees.
“One of the parents begged that they accept N100,000 ransom for each of them. They threatened to kill the victims so we begged that they spare them while we run around to raise money. Even the N100,000 is beyond my reach as a civil servant.
“Kemi’s grandfather died on Monday and her father had to rush to Kwara state, leaving her mother and brother to continue with negotiations.
“We believe in God and prayers because at the moment, most of us are confused. We are still appealing to them to reduce the ransom as we prayerfully hope help will come our way to raise the ransom demanded,” he said.
He revealed that the same kidnap gang had abducted a man in the area last week but could not reach any of his relatives as he was without a phone. After failed attempt to make any contact for his ransom, they returned the man and abducted the students and varsity staff.
When contacted, the state police public relations officer, DSP William Aya, said that the command is not aware, but has activated procedures towards rescuing the abducted victims.
The PUNCH
