The rescue of over 286 students and staff members abducted by terrorists in Kaduna State is demanded to cost N1 billion ($620,432).
Community leader Jubril Aminu, who serves as a spokesperson for the hostage families, reportedly told Reuters that the kidnappers called him on Tuesday.
“They made a total of a N1 billion ransom demand for all the pupils, students and staff of the school,” Aminu said.
“They gave an ultimatum to pay the ransom within 20 days, effective from the date of the kidnap. They said they will kill all the students and the staff if the ransom demand is not met.”
Idris Ibrahim, an elected member of the Kuriga Ward municipal council, attested to the ransom demand and sum as well.
“Yes, the kidnappers called the community through Jubril Aminu’s number and made the demand,” he said.
“They called from a hidden number but the authorities are working on getting the number.”
He added that the security forces were taking “adequate measures” to secure the release of the students.
Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, did not immediately reply to calls for comment regarding the demands made by the kidnappers.
Requests for response were not answered by representatives of the army or President Bola Tinubu.
Mohammed Idris, the minister of information, informed reporters on Wednesday of Tinubu’s stance on the Kuriga kidnappings: security forces should ensure the captives’ release without demanding a ransom.
It was stated that on March 7 in the town of Kuriga, Kaduna State, the schoolchildren, along with a few adult students and staff members, were taken captive.
Since 2021, this is the nation’s first mass kidnapping.
