Bandits in Zamfara State have turned down an N3 million ransom offer for the release of 26 individuals abducted from Gidan-Goga village in Maradun Local Government Area.
Abubakar Shehu, a resident of the village whose three daughters are among the victims, confirmed the development in a phone interview on Monday. Shehu clarified that 26 individuals, not 50 as previously reported, were taken during the attack. The victims include 19 females and 6 males, with one of the abducted women preparing for marriage before her capture.
“We raised N3 million to offer to the bandits, but they rejected it,” Shehu said. “When we informed their leader about the amount, he dismissed us, saying we were not serious, and then switched off his phone. Since then, we have been unable to reach him.”
Shehu recounted that the bandits, who have made repeated attacks on the community, contacted the villagers to demand a ransom but did not specify the amount they were seeking.
The community, which has faced ongoing attacks from the bandits, remains in fear. Shehu stated that the assailants operate from a nearby camp, maintaining a persistent threat to the area. Despite reporting the attack to local security agencies, no action has been taken.
“We have informed the security personnel in the local government, but nothing has been done to address the situation. This is not the first time our village has been attacked,” Shehu added.
Many residents have fled Gidan-Goga due to the constant threat of banditry, though some, including Shehu, remain in the area due to a lack of alternatives.
Efforts to reach Zamfara State’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Shehu Dalijan, for comment were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
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