The group of eight kidnappers who stormed the Nigerian Army Estate in Kurudu, Abuja, on Thursday night and abducted the wife and two in-laws of a lawyer, Cyril Adikwu, are reportedly requesting over N30 million before the release of the victims.
According to Adikwu, who escaped the attack, the kidnappers trailed a vehicle that brought his family members to his residence around 10 p.m. and forced their way into his compound.
He said he heard a commotion downstairs and saw one of the victims lying on the floor. He shouted for help, but the kidnappers fired shots at him and took his wife and in-laws away.
He said the kidnappers contacted him shortly after the incident and asked him to pay the ransom within a certain period.
He declined to disclose the exact amount, saying there was false information circulating in the media, but confirmed it was more than N30 million.
“I don’t want to mention the amount because already false information is everywhere in the media about the whole incident, but I can assure you it’s more than 30 million,” he stated.
A resident of the estate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the estate management and the security agencies were working together to rescue the victims.
He said they were confident that the victims would be returned safely and urged the public to remain calm.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the area, as kidnappers have become more brazen and daring.
The authorities have vowed to intensify their efforts to curb the menace and restore peace in the FCT.