Terrorists in Katsina abduct 31 villagers, demand N60 million ransom
Terrorists who abducted 31 individuals in Tashar Nagulle, Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State are insisting on a N60 million ransom for their release.
The abduction occurred during a night assault on the community last Sunday, with the terrorists disguising themselves in military camouflage to deceive residents into thinking they were soldiers sent for protection.
Using one victim’s phone, the terrorists instructed that it be taken to the ward head, initiating negotiations. A member of the ward head office expressed the community’s financial limitations, pleading for authorities to intervene.
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“We are appealing to the authorities to come to our aid because things have completely worsened. We can’t go to our farms neither do we have the means to patronize local markets, so how exactly are we supposed to gather N60 million?” stated an anonymous source during the negotiations.
Despite Nigeria criminalising ransom payments, the community is grappling with the dilemma, with a religious leader noting that residents are taxing themselves to contribute “something” toward the demanded amount.
“We are already gathering the money. These are our children, friends, wives, relatives so we can’t abandon them with the terrorists,” emphasized the religious leader, whose family members were among those abducted.
Batsari (Katsina State) and Zurmi (Zamfara State) are witnessing a surge in terrorist activities, with recent attacks on military camps and police checkpoints.
The areas share boundaries with the notorious Rugu and Dumburun forests, believed to be infested by terrorists.
