By Desire Emmanuel
Gunmen suspected to be bandits who abducted three members of the same family have demanded for the sum of N8 million to be paid within four days, failure which they threatened to kill them.
The gunmen were said to have abducted the three men more than three weeks ago while they were travelling to Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State to attend a Quranic recitation event.
It was gathered that the gunmen called members of their family on phone on Saturday night following earlier discussions regarding ransom payment and asked them to pay the sum of N8 million within four days which will lapse on Tuesday this week.
A source close to the local government area told Impact Nigeria News Online on Sunday night that the family has been thrown into confusion following the ransom demand as they fear that they may not be able to raise the money within the four-day ultimatum.
The source added that they had started selling their valuables as well as farm produce so as to be able to raise the money.
Niger State has, in recent times, become a hotbed for the activities of kidnappers, terrorists and bandits who invade communities, killing residents and abducting others.
Both the state government as well as security agencies seem to be helpless as the marauders usually have field days, carrying out their nefarious activities unchallenged.
