By Seyi Babalola
Bandits have demanded N40 trillion to free the 16 people kidnapped from the Gonin Gora region of Kaduna State.
According to TheCable, a community leader named John Yusuf said that the bandits contacted the victims’ relatives and demanded 11 Hilux vehicles and 150 motorbikes.
“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.
“The abductions happened twice within four days. During the first attack, three people were kidnapped, while in the second attack, 13 people were abducted, bringing the total number of people being held captive to 16,” he said.
According to him, the communities in Birnin Gwari are surrounded by bushes serving as hideouts for the bandits, adding that the establishment of a military base would tackle the criminal operations in the area.
He appealed to the government to establish a military base behind the community where the bandits take advantage of the bushes to invade and carry out their heinous act.
“From our community down to Birnin Gwari, which is over 150 kilometres, is a stretch of bush.
“We also have another stretch of bushes from Gonin Gora down to Niger State.
The community leader commended the Nigerian Army for their efforts in fighting bandits, urging the federal government to take necessary actions to address banditry.
