Bandits demand N500m as ransom to release 13 Kaduna locals

The people of Kurama Chiefdom in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have cried out over N500 million being demanded as ransom by bandits before the release of 13 residents of the area, including an ECWA Pastor.

They said that it was impossible for them to raise such an amount.

Gunmen had about two weeks ago stormed the villages of Gidan Yawa, Maiyamma, Jantsauni, and Maidoki around 10:30 pm, shooting three people dead and abducting thirty others in the night.

The bandits have now reduced their captives to thirteen and demanded the sum of N500 million before they are released.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Federated Kurama Association, Mr. Pius Again Kaura said, “We are finished. These are the breadwinners of their families; farmers, fathers, a pastor.

“And the bandits are asking for half a billion naira. Where will poor villagers find such money?

‎”Our people are helpless. We have no guns, no soldiers, no money. We are at the mercy of these killers.”

He explained that the affected villages are purely farmers that live on the outskirts of Yarkasuwa.

According to him, “This latest atrocity is only the most recent in a long chain of bloodshed visited upon the Kurama nation.

“In recent years, the District Head of Garun Kurama, the District Head of Gurzan Kurama, a Catholic priest of Yadin Garun Kurama Parish, the wife and son of the Lere LGA APC Chairman Hon. Jonathan Shekarau, and countless farmers have all been kidnapped or murdered. Many remain in captivity or were killed when ransom could not be paid.”

They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Governor Uba Sani to come to their rescue and ensure the victims are released and united with their families.