Bandits in the Gonin Gora area of Kaduna have demanded the humongous sum of N40 trillion as ransom for the release of 16 abducted residents, according to community leader John Yusuf.
They also requested 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles from the victims’ families, marking a significant escalation in ransom demands in Nigeria’s history of abductions.
A recent attack saw bandits kill two residents and abduct several others in Anguwan Auta, Gonin Gora, prompting locals to stage a protest blocking the Kaduna-Abuja highway. According to The Cable News, Yusuf revealed that the bandits struck the community twice within a week, highlighting the vulnerability of the area and the urgent need for security measures.
Yusuf pleaded for government intervention, urging the establishment of a military base to counter bandit activities in the bush-surrounded communities.
Despite acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian Army, he stressed the need for more decisive action to address the growing threat of banditry. Without effective intervention, Yusuf warned of dire consequences, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for the affected communities and the nation at large.
According to him, “The bandits have contacted us. They are demanding N40 trillion, 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles for the release of 16 people they are holding captive.”
“Where are we going to get this kind of money ? Even if we sell the entire community, we cannot raise N40 trillion. Even Nigeria as a country has never made a budget of N40 trillion.“