Heightened Brutality and Ransom Demands
In a harrowing development, the kidnappers who seized 10 individuals from Sagwari Estate Layout in Dutse, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on January 7, 2024, have taken the lives of three more of their captives.
This shocking escalation was reportedly intended as a stern message to the families engaged in ransom negotiations.
Sources reveal that the criminals resorted to violence, killing the victims, in response to delays in meeting their initially set ransom of N60 million per person.
The assailants, seeking to intensify the psychological impact, have increased their demand to a staggering N100 million per individual, accumulating to an unprecedented total of N700 million.
Tragic Demise of a 13-Year-Old Student
Among the unfortunate victims was a 13-year-old secondary school student named Folorunsho Ariyo. Reports indicate that the kidnappers, growing increasingly ruthless, targeted individuals within the abducted group due to perceived delays in ransom payments.
Initial Victim Used as a Bargaining Chip
Earlier in the ordeal, the kidnappers had executed Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, one of the abducted persons, employing the tragic incident as a coercive tactic to compel the family into swiftly raising the initial ransom of N50 million.
Police Response and Rescue Operations
In response to the escalating crisis, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reassured the public that a comprehensive plan of action is in motion to rescue the victims.
The force headquarters is actively coordinating efforts to address the situation, with an emphasis on maintaining confidentiality to prevent jeopardizing ongoing operations.
Secrecy and Sensitivity of the Situation
A statement from Force Public Relations Officer and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized the sensitivity of the situation, necessitating discretion.
Specific details are being kept confidential to preserve the integrity of ongoing rescue operations and investigations.
Commitment to Justice and Victim Rescue
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is actively engaged in reaching out to key individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation.
The overarching objective is not only to bring the perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in the ongoing rescue operations for those still held in captivity.
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