Kidnappers who abducted 31 persons at the Tom Ikimi/Ekehen train station in Igueben, Edo State, have demanded N20 million ransom for each of the 31 victims, totaling N620 million.
The gunmen also debunked claims by the government that six victims were rescued, insisting that the 31 victims were intact in their den.
Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare had said six victims of the attack were rescued earlier today (yesterday) while 25 remain with the abductors.
Nehikhare, who said he gave the government’s official position, in collaboration with security agencies, refused to give details of the rescue operations.
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Executive Director of Esan Youth for Good Governance and Social Justice, Comrade Benson Odia, last night confirmed that the kidnappers had contacted some victims’ families and demanded ‘a non-negotiable’ N20 million ransom for each person.
He said: “I can confirm that the kidnappers have demanded N20 million from each of the 31 victims still being held, totaling N620 million. This is absurd and I do not know where the poor people will raise that.”
Police spokesperson Chidi Nwabuzor pleaded for more time to confirm the claim on ransom, while the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, could not be reached for confirmation.
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