Bandits who abducted 16 residents of Gonin Gora, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, have demanded a staggering ransom of N40 trillion for their release. John Yusuf, a community leader in the area, revealed this in a telephone interview on Monday.
Yusuf disclosed that the bandits made contact and demanded N40 trillion, along with 11 Hilux vans and 150 brand new motorcycles in exchange for the release of the captives. Expressing dismay at the exorbitant demand, Yusuf emphasized the impossibility of meeting such a ransom, stating that even selling the entire community would not raise the required amount.
The community leader recounted that the bandits invaded Gonin Gora twice within a week, resulting in the abduction of a total of 16 people. He highlighted the vast bushes bordering the community and Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, which provide cover for the criminals to carry out their attacks.
Yusuf appealed to the government to establish a military base behind the community to curb the activities of the bandits. He stressed the urgent need for proactive action to prevent further incidents, warning that failure to do so could have dire consequences for the community.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian Army in responding to distress calls, Yusuf lamented the challenges posed by the vast terrain, which often allows the bandits to evade capture.
The community leaders urged both the federal and state governments to take decisive action to address the menace of banditry in the area before it escalates further. They highlighted previous incidents of attacks and abductions in the community, underscoring the need for immediate intervention.
In response to the initial attack, hundreds of youths from the area had staged protests, blocking the Kaduna – Abuja highway in condemnation of the violence and insecurity plaguing their community.
