Zaria LG workers abductors make separate outrageous ransom demands

The abductors of Zaria Local Government staff in Kaduna state have made separate phone contacts with families of victims on Friday afternoon and demanded for various sums of money as ransom. 

A source, who claimed to be related to a victim, said the ransom demanded were outrageous and expressed hope that the bandits would reduce it to an affordable rate.

Although the source pleaded for anonymity and could not disclosed the amount placed on his relation in captivity, he urged the authorities to come to their rescue, pointing our that the captives are Local Government staff who were abducted while on official duty. 

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, has put its planned protest on the matter on hold, pending further development.

The group, in a statement, said: “It has come to the notice of the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, that the abductors of the 14 Zaria Local Government staff have finally made contact with families of the captors separately on Friday afternoon.

Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, spokesperson CNG, said in the statement that with the unfolding scenario, the CNG headquarters has resolved to direct its Kaduna State students wing to put its planned mass protests on hold so as not to distrupt the fresh development.

“We assure the families affected, particularly the aggrieved students in higher institutions who are in solidarity with their fellows whose parents are among the victims, that the CNG would remain vigilant as to the direction the situation turns until their parents are brought back alive and safe by the Grace of God.

“We, however, frown at the discouraging silence by the authorities in the past four days since the captives who are legitimate government workers were abducted while carrying out an official assignment.

“It is unfortunate that those who pose as leaders today show no real concern for the personal safety of the people they swore to protect by not doing enough to guarantee the minimal assurance of public safety and security of lives and properties.

“As we monitor the situation, we call for voluntary special prayers in congregations or individually for the the final resolution of this and other issues and safe return of all victims currently in captivity anywhere.”