Terrorists demand N1bn ransom for 286 Kaduna students, threaten to kill them

Terrorists who abducted over 286 students and staff in Kaduna State, have demanded a staggering ₦1 billion ($620,432) for their safe return.

A community leader Jubril Aminu, acting as a spokesperson for the hostages’ families, disclosed receiving a chilling call from the kidnappers on Tuesday.

“They demanded ₦1 billion ransom for all the pupils, students, and staff of the school,” Aminu revealed.

“They’ve set a 20-day ultimatum, threatening to harm all hostages if the ransom isn’t met.”

Idris Ibrahim, an elected official from the Kuriga Ward municipal council, corroborated the ransom demand and its amount.

“Yes, the kidnappers contacted the community through Jubril Aminu and made the demand,” he confirmed. “While they used a hidden number, authorities are diligently working to trace it.”

Despite the dire situation, security forces assure they are taking “adequate measures” to secure the captives’ release. However, Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, remained unavailable for comment on the kidnappers’ demands.

Efforts to reach President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson and the army’s representatives for comment remained unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris conveyed Tinubu’s stance, advocating for the hostages’ safe release without succumbing to ransom demands.

The abduction, which occurred on March 7 in Kuriga, Kaduna State, marks the country’s first mass kidnapping since 2021, underscoring the escalating security challenges facing Nigeria.