- Bandits who initially received N8.5 million for four captives in Kawu, FCT, now demand two brand new Bajaj motorcycles
- The situation raises concerns about escalating bandit demands, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to ensure the captives’ safe release
In a disturbing turn of events, bandits who initially collected N8.5 million to release four out of 17 captives in Kawu, Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have now issued a new demand. The criminals are insisting on receiving two brand new Bajaj motorcycles in exchange for the remaining 11 victims still held in captivity.
The initial incident unfolded on December 26, 2023, when the bandits targeted the Kawu community, abducting 23 individuals. Four managed to escape, leaving 17 others in the clutches of the criminals.
A family member of one of the victims, Bala Dantani, shared the harrowing details. He revealed that the ransom payment of N8.5 million was made in instalments. Initially, a sum of N5 million was raised and handed over to the bandits after they threatened to harm the captives two weeks ago.
Further negotiations led to an additional payment of N3.8 million, along with provisions such as food, drugs, and wines, in the hopes of securing the release of the remaining victims. However, the situation took a sinister turn when, while waiting for instructions on where to collect the victims, the intermediary reported that the bandits were once again demanding two motorcycles as a prerequisite for releasing the remaining 11 captives.
This development raises concerns about the escalating demands and audacity of the bandits, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to ensure the safe release of the remaining hostages. The victims’ families and the affected community anxiously await a resolution to this distressing ordeal.
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