Kidnappers Demand N100m Ransom for Benue Church Worshippers, Reduce to N30m
In a distressing development, the abductors of nine worshippers from St John's Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, located within Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have issued a ransom demand of N100 million. The incident unfolded during a vigil in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, when suspected bandits invaded the church premises around 2 a.m., seizing victims that included women and youths.
Negotiations Lead to Reduced Ransom Demand
According to a family member of one of the victims, the kidnappers made initial contact with the families on Wednesday, presenting the staggering N100 million ransom requirement. However, during subsequent negotiations in the early hours of Thursday, the perpetrators agreed to lower the amount to N30 million.
"This is the situation we found ourselves in now. It was only yesterday (Wednesday) that they contacted us and demanded N100 million," the source disclosed. "After negotiation, they reduced the ransom to N30 million, which is what we are now working hard to raise."
Families Appeal for Public Assistance
The affected families are now mobilizing resources from various quarters to meet the ransom demand. They are reaching out to friends, relatives, and the broader public for financial support. Additionally, they are making urgent appeals to public-spirited individuals, corporate organizations, and civil society groups to contribute towards securing the release of the abductees.
"We are seeking assistance from friends, relatives, and the wider public. We are also appealing to public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations, and civil society groups to come to the aid of the abductees," the family member emphasized.
Security Response and Government Appeal
While security agencies have been deployed to the area to address the kidnapping, efforts have yet to result in the apprehension of the kidnappers or the rescue of the victims. The families are calling on the government to intensify security measures by deploying additional personnel to comb the surrounding forests and bring the perpetrators to justice.
"Security agencies have been deployed to the area, but they have yet to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue our people. We are calling on the government to deploy more personnel to comb the forest and bring the perpetrators to justice," the source added.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, particularly the menace of banditry and kidnapping that continues to threaten places of worship and communities. The situation remains tense as families await further developments while grappling with the financial and emotional toll of the abduction.
