Forty out of the 150 residents abducted from the Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State have been freed by their captors.
The released hostages, mainly women and children, were set free after the community provided N2 million and 12 Honda motorcycles to the bandits.
The release occurred on Tuesday morning after the community met the terrorists’ demands.
Each motorcycle reportedly cost N1.2 million.
However, 110 hostages remain in captivity.
Reliable sources indicated that the bandits have proposed to release another 40 hostages if the community can provide an additional N2 million and six more motorcycles.
Negotiations are ongoing between the bandits and community representatives.
This ordeal began three weeks ago when a large group of bandits invaded the Kuchi community.
The attack resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including four security personnel.
The bandits looted homes, shops, and barns, taking over 150 residents hostage in an assault that lasted more than three hours without any resistance from security forces.
Initially, the bandits demanded N150 million for the release of all captives, but the community attempted to negotiate a payment of N100,000 per person, which the bandits refused.
READ ALSO: We’ll Arrest, Jail Nigerians Insulting People Online; They Are Criminals Too – EFCC
They later settled for the motorcycles and cash deal for the release of smaller groups of hostages.
According to a source: “We have been negotiating with the bandits but finally they agreed to collect six Honda motorcycles and N2 million for the release of two groups totalling 40 in number.
“The 150 people they abducted were divided into six groups, and they said we should bring six Honda motorcycles and N2 million cash for each of the groups.
“This is after they rejected our initial offer of N100,000 for each person. They have released two groups, remaining four groups. ”
The source also expressed frustration over the lack of government and security presence, stating: “Since the incident, no single government official or security agent has visited the community for on-the-spot assessment of what happened. The community is left without security at the moment and it has remained deserted.”
Local government chairman Aminu Najume confirmed the attack and abduction but was unable to verify the release of the 40 hostages.
He stated that the council was not involved in the negotiations. Najume promised to gather information and provide updates accordingly.
Similarly, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, said he would verify the information and provide details.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
