Gunmen Stage Mass Abduction in Abuja, Demand Ransom

Some gunmen on Wednesday, March 24, raided residents of Kiyi town in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), abducting at least four persons, Daily Trust has reported.

According to the newspaper, One Mr Salami Olalekan who is reportedly a member of staff of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCTA) is among the kidnap victims.

VAM News learns that William Salami, an elder brother of the victim, said the kidnappers made a demand of N200 million, N50 million for each hostage.

He said: “The kidnappers called once, asked for N50 million ransom for one person and when they came.

“When they raided the houses, they did not carry any property, except a cooking pot, probably to be cooking in the bush." It was gathered that the other three victims are a motorcycle rider, a technician and a taxi driver.

The FCT police command has reportedly confirmed the development. ASP Miriam Yusuf, the command's spokesperson, was quoted to have said: “We have launched an operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

Meanwhile, popular Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has said the armed bandits terrorising the north may not drop their arms if they are not sure of their safety.

The cleric who has recently met with the bandits in a bid to persuade them to drop their criminal acts said this during a virtual event hosted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.

The cleric also insisted that the Nigerian government should dialogue with the bandits.

However, President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed the calls for the federal government to grant amnesty to armed bandits and other criminals.

The Nigerian president at a security meeting on Thursday, February 25, said his administration will deal decisively with bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents.