Kidnappers on the prowl in Bauchi, abduct 4 within one week, demand N50m ransom

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have been wreaking havoc in communities in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Reports indicate that an estimated N50 million has been paid as ransom for kidnapped individuals, with four more people abducted within a week and one person injured.

The developments have sparked palpable fear among the residents of the affected communities, as the activities of the suspected kidnappers show no signs of abating.

On Friday, an Igbo businessman known as Mr Daniel was kidnapped in Gamji village.

The kidnappers, who arrived around 8:40 p.m., fired warning shots to intimidate the villagers before targeting their victim and subsequently escaping with him. They are currently demanding an undisclosed sum of money as ransom.

In another incident, kidnappers targeted Tabla village and abducted a 45-year-old man identified as Yahaya. The victim’s family has received a ransom demand of N10 million for his release.

Sources also said a 55-year-old businessman identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Kazami was kidnapped in Shande village last Saturday.

The kidnappers also attacked Kuluki village, damaging motorcycles and breaking into shops, before proceeding to Ruwan Dinya village where they abducted a 40-year-old man named Bala El-B.

During the abduction, a young boy named Abubakar Garba was shot and sustained injuries. He has been taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, for medical treatment.

Activities of kidnappers have left the affected communities in a state of unrest and anxiety.

While residents turn to prayer for solace, they are appealing to the state government and security agencies to intervene and save them from the menace of kidnappers.

As of the time of reporting, efforts to obtain a response from the state police command were unsuccessful, with the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, reportedly out of the country.