Bandits Reject N3m Ransom, Refuse to Release 26 Abducted Villagers in Zamfara
Bandits in Zamfara State have rejected a N3 million ransom offer for the release of 26 abducted persons from Gidan-Goga village, Maradun Local Government Area.
The victims, including 19 females and six males, were taken by the bandits during an attack on the community on Sunday.
According to Abubakar Shehu, an indigene of the village whose three daughters are among the abductees, the bandits contacted the community to demand payment for the release of the victims but did not specify the amount they wanted.
Shehu explained that the community raised N3 million, which was offered to the bandits, but they rejected it, dismissing the amount as insufficient.
“We raised N3m to offer to the bandits, but they rejected it,” Shehu lamented. “When we informed their leader about the amount, he dismissed us, saying we were not serious, and then switched off his phone. Since then, we have been unable to reach him.”
“The bandits attacked our community on Sunday and took away 26 people, all of whom are my neighbours. They contacted us to demand payment for their release but did not specify the amount they wanted.”
“We have informed the security personnel in the local government, but nothing has been done to address the situation. This is not the first time our village has been attacked,” he said.
The bandits’ leader reportedly switched off his phone after rejecting the offer, leaving the community unable to reach him. Shehu lamented that the community has been left with no choice but to wait and hope for the safe release of their loved ones.
The community has faced repeated attacks from the bandits, who operate from a camp near the village. Despite reporting the incident to security agencies in the area, no action has been taken, leaving the community feeling vulnerable and abandoned.
Many residents have fled Gidan-Goga due to the frequent bandit attacks, but some, like Shehu, have stayed behind due to a lack of alternatives.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, did not respond to calls seeking comment on the situation.
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