Family members of the 28 Passengers who were kidnapped by gunmen in the Zak community, Bashar District in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, have revealed that the kidnappers have contacted them demanding a ransom payment of N1.5 million for each person.
The victims were abducted on Sunday night while travelling to attend a Maulud celebration in Sabon Layi community, also in Bashar District, when the gunmen intercepted their vehicle and whisked them to an unknown destination in a forest.
A relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Musa, who spoke with journalists on Tuesday, revealed that the abductors had contacted the families and insisted on the payment of N1.5 million per person for their release.
“The kidnappers called me last night and said we must pay N1.5 million for each person, regardless of age or gender. But they assured us that our people are in good hands and nothing will happen to them,” Ibrahim said.
“I pleaded with them that we are common villagers and don’t have the kind of money as life is not easy for us here. Many of the victims are teenagers, and their parents cannot raise that amount. So I begged them to have mercy on us.
“But they insisted that without paying the sum, our relatives will not be released and that we should not blame them if anything happens to our relatives,” he added.
Spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the incident, said the police, in conjunction with other security agencies, have commenced investigations into the abduction with a view to rescuing the victims.
