Bandits in Zamfara State have turned down a N3 million ransom offered for the release of 26 individuals abducted from Gidan-Goga village in the Maradun Local Government Area. Abubakar Shehu, a villager whose three daughters are among the captives, reported this development during a phone interview on Monday.
Shehu clarified that the number of abductees is 26, including 19 females and six males, contradicting earlier reports that suggested 50 individuals were taken.
He recounted that the bandits attacked their community on Sunday and demanded payment for the hostages’ release, but did not specify an amount.
Despite raising the ransom, Shehu stated that the bandit leader dismissed their offer as insincere and has since cut off communication.
The community has faced ongoing threats from the bandits, who operate from a nearby camp, and residents have expressed frustration over the lack of action from local security agencies despite previous reports of attacks.
Many villagers have fled due to the persistent violence, while others, like Shehu, remain due to limited options.
Efforts to contact the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police for comments were unsuccessful.
