A student at the Federal Polytechnic in Nasarawa who was kidnapped along with 29 others has revealed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of around N40 million before releasing them.
On Monday, it was reported that kidnappers seized approximately 30 travellers, including several polytechnic students, along the Abuja-Nasarawa Highway on Friday.
According to the source, one of the abducted students was on her way to Abuja to see her family.
The victim, who spoke exclusively on Tuesday under the condition of anonymity for fear of being attacked by the kidnappers, claimed that the seven-man kidnappers ambushed their vehicles, shot at the tires, and took their things before abducting them into a nearby bush.
The victim went on to say that when the kidnappers led them into the thick jungle, they (the victims) were forced to rest because some of them were fatigued.
She further revealed that at midnight on Saturday, the kidnappers directed them to call their relatives and demand a N10 million ransom each.
The victim went on to say that after many pleas from the victims, the kidnappers divided them into two groups: students and non-students, and requested that the students pay N10 million collectively, while the others pay N10 million individually.
Bottom line
The situation highlights the particular vulnerability of students who may be targeted due to their perceived ease of collecting ransom from their families. This can spark discussions about student safety measures, especially for those travelling long distances.
The high ransom demands showcase the significant financial and emotional burden placed on families of kidnapping victims. This can raise awareness of the broader societal impact of such crimes.
