Kaduna Bandits seek N10m ransom to release corpse of victim

Suspected bandits have demanded N10 million as ransom from the family of one of their kidnapped victims, Obadiah Ibrahim, who they abducted a few weeks ago.

It was gathered that Ibrahim died on Monday, November 7, 2022, in Kaduna State, after being kidnapped, but his assailants informed his family on Thursday, November 10.

Revealing that the kidnappers were insisting on collecting ransom before releasing the body of Ibrahim, the deceased’s brother, Kefas said his family had previously paid N3 million for the same purpose.

“Ibrahim had died on Monday and they informed us on Thursday. We asked for his corpse and they said we should pay them N10 million if we wanted the corpse, (that) they’d not work for us free of charge,” he said.

Obadiah while narrating the family ordeal, added, “My brother’s name is Obadiah Ibrahim. He was kidnapped in early October…in Sabon Gaya on his way back from Abuja to Kaduna.

“Although I wasn’t the one communicating with the bandits, there was a negotiator. Earlier, the bandits demanded N200 million and later settled for N3 million plus.

“They said we should bring the money. After giving them the ransom, they told us the money was for their foodstuffs which got finished, and that we should go and bring N15 million. 

“They later came down to N5 million and three motor bikes, and later collected one bike. After collecting a bike, we didn’t hear from them again. We tried to communicate with them but unfortunately, we were unable (to).

“Then, on Thursday, when the negotiator called them, they said our brother was dead. We thought they were joking. When we continued, they threatened to track him and come for him if (he) did not stop calling their line.

“They said their own men were arrested by (the) police, tied to a tree and killed. So, they vented their anger too on our brother because of what police did to their brother.”

Kefas said the bandits swore to release the corpse in three days once they confirm the ransom payment.