By Milcah Tanimu

In a recent development, bandits have released 40 out of 150 individuals they kidnapped three weeks ago in Kuchi, located in Munya LGA of Niger State. The freed captives, mostly women and children, were released after the community paid ransoms.

Sources from the community reported that the families and friends of the victims contributed funds to purchase six Honda motorcycles, each valued at 1.2 million naira, and added an additional 2 million naira in cash to meet the bandits’ demands.

A reliable source in Kuchi informed a correspondent via telephone on Tuesday that the bandits are still holding 110 villagers, with negotiations ongoing for their release. The bandits have demanded another six motorcycles and an additional 2 million naira for the next batch of 40 hostages.

Community leaders are actively involved in the negotiations, seeking to secure the safe return of the remaining captives.