Edo community allegedly raises N70m ransom for abducted kinsmen

Residents of Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area, have allegedly raised N70 million as ransom for the release of three abducted indigenes.

NAIJA NEWS TODAY reports that a source, who disclosed this to newsmen on condition of anonymity, said the fundraising followed a viral video released by the abductees.

The source added that the initiative was spearheaded by the victims’ age group, whose members have been going round the community to gather the amount needed to complete the ransom.

He further alleged that over 15 members of the community, reportedly kidnapped last month, remain in captivity.

In the video, the victims were seen pleading with relatives and other public-spirited individuals to help complete the ransom payment and secure their freedom.

One of the suspected kidnappers, whose face did not appear, was seen displaying a human skull while the victims continued begging for assistance from relatives and members of the public.

It was gathered that the three victims were abducted after delivering about N30 million as ransom for a kidnapped family member over a month ago.

One of the victims was identified as Lukman, along with two others.

The kidnappers had initially demanded N70 million but reduced it to N30 million for the release of their first victim. The sum was reportedly delivered by the three individuals who have now themselves been abducted.

In a twist of fate, the kidnappers are now allegedly demanding the balance of N70 million for the trio’s release.

At the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had yet to confirm the incident.