The kidnappers of nine worshipers from St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million.
The victims, including women and youths, were abducted during a church vigil around 2 a.m. on Sunday, February 8, when suspected bandits stormed the premises.
A family member of one of the victims revealed that the abductors first contacted the families on Wednesday, insisting on a N100 million ransom.
The source added that during negotiations early Thursday, the kidnappers lowered their demand to N30 million.
“This is the situation we are currently facing. It was only yesterday (Wednesday) that they reached out and asked for N100 million,” the family member said.
“After negotiation, they reduced the ransom to N30m, which is what we are now working hard to raise. We are seeking assistance from friends, relatives, and the wider public. We are also appealing to public-spirited individuals, corporate organisations, and civil society groups to come to the aid of the abductees.
“Security agencies have been deployed to the area, but they have yet to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue our people. We are calling on the government to deploy more personnel to comb the forest and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
