By Milcah Tanimu

In a harrowing development, bandits in Kaduna State have issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening to kill over 100 abducted pupils and teachers from a government school in Kuriga Community, Chikun Local Government Area, if their ransom demand of N1 billion is not met within 20 days.

This alarming demand follows a series of abductions, including the recent kidnapping of 16 residents in the Gonin Gora area, where the bandits demanded a staggering N40 trillion, along with 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles as ransom for their captives.

Jubril Aminu, acting as a spokesperson for the families of the abducted pupils and staff, revealed that the bandits made the ransom demand via a phone call, threatening dire consequences if their demands are not met.

Confirming the demand, Idris Ibrahim, a councillor for Kuriga Ward, affirmed that the kidnappers contacted the community through Aminu’s phone, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. However, he reassured that security forces were mobilizing to secure the safe release of the hostages.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has categorically rejected the idea of paying ransom to secure the release of the kidnapped pupils and other victims. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, echoed Tinubu’s stance, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the hostages without succumbing to ransom demands.

Idris reiterated the president’s directive to security agencies to prioritize the safe rescue of the abducted individuals while standing firm against ransom payments.

The Kaduna State Government has yet to issue an official statement on this alarming development, leaving many anxiously awaiting updates on efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.