Bandits demand N500m as ransom to release 13 Kaduna locals

The people of Kurama Chiefdom in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have cried out over N500 million being demanded as ransom by bandits before the release of 13 residents of the area, including an ECWA Pastor.

They said that it was impossible for them to raise such an amount.

Gunmen had about two weeks ago stormed the villages of Gidan Yawa, Maiyamma, Jantsauni, and Maidoki around 10:30 pm, shooting three people dead and abducting thirty others in the night.

The bandits have now reduced their captives to thirteen and demanded the sum of N500 million before they are released.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Federated Kurama Association, Mr. Pius Again Kaura said, “We are finished. These are the breadwinners of their families; farmers, fathers, a pastor.

“And the bandits are asking for half a billion naira. Where will poor villagers find such money?

‎”Our people are helpless. We have no guns, no soldiers, no money. We are at the mercy of these killers.”