Bandits operating in Zamfara State have refused to accept the N3 million ransom offered for the release of 26 villagers abducted from Gidan-Goga, Maradun.
Abubakar Shehu, a villager whose three daughters are among the abductees, spoke to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS on Monday, clarifying that 26 individuals were taken, not 50 as some reports had claimed.
The kidnapped include 19 women and 6 men, one of whom was about to be married.
“We offered N3 million, but the bandits rejected it,” Shehu explained.
“Their leader dismissed our offer, claiming we weren’t serious, and then turned off his phone. Since then, we’ve been unable to contact him.”
The abduction took place on Sunday when the bandits raided the village, taking 26 hostages.
Although they communicated with the villagers to demand a ransom, they did not specify the exact amount.
The village has been under repeated attacks by bandits, who operate from a nearby camp, and the residents are now living in fear. Despite notifying local security forces, no action has been taken.
“We’ve reported the incident to the security agencies, but nothing has been done,” Shehu said, adding that many villagers have fled due to ongoing violence, though some, including himself, have stayed due to a lack of alternatives.
Efforts to reach the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police for comments were unsuccessful.
