Bandits who stormed an Abuja bound train in March to abduct passengers are now demanding a N100m ransom.
Okay.ng gathered that the amount is for each of the 43 abducted Kaduna train passengers remaining in captivity.
It can be recalled that many other victims have been released, including seven others yesterday; a release which was facilitated by Mallam Tukur Mamu, the Media Consultant to Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi.
They include Bosede Olurotimi, Abubakar Zubairu, Alhassan Sule, Sadiq Abdullahi, Muhammad Paki, Aliyu Usman as well as a Pakistani national, Dr. Muhammad Afzal.
Emerging reports show that they have all been reunited with their families.
The fresh demand of the terrorists was communicated to the families of the hostages last week.
A family member of the abducted victims pleading anonymity gave an update on the matter. He said the terrorists were asking each family to bring N100m ransom for the release of their loved ones.
The source said the seven victims that were released on Saturday paid an undisclosed amount, adding that:
“It is money that is still delaying the release of the others. The terrorists are demanding ransom now. We heard the last set paid money. They (terrorists) have reached out to us as regards the payment of ransom.
“The situation now is that if you have your money, your loved ones would be freed. They have pegged the ransom at N100m. It is just unfortunate.”
Another family member said they were told that the terrorists were no longer interested in negotiating with the Federal Government, saying that N100m was required to free those in captivity.
He said they were still pleading with the terrorists to reduce the ransom as some of them could not afford the huge amount.
“My loved one has not been released, those that were released paid N100m. I don’t have that kind of money. The kidnappers got in touch with us. They said they were no longer negotiating with the Federal Government. Getting N100m is the dilemma many of us don’t have.” He said
