VAM News Update

THE kidnappers of eight Akwa Ibom State graduates, who were en route to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sokoto State when abducted in Zamfara State, have escalated their demands. After receiving N13 million as part of the initially negotiated ransom, the abductors are now demanding an additional N200 million for the release of the captives.

These victims have been in captivity for 26 days since their abduction on August 17, and their situation remains perilous. Desperate and frustrated, their families have resorted to fasting and prayer in the hope of securing their safe release.

Initially, the kidnappers received N13 million in ransom payments—N5 million followed by an additional N8 million to meet the previously agreed-upon amount. However, rather than releasing the captives as promised, the abductors have now demanded an exorbitant N200 million, a sum that the families find impossible to raise.

The families have expressed their dire predicament, as they had already struggled to gather the initial N13 million, with some resorting to selling land or taking out loans. The situation has caused immense distress among the victims’ relatives.

Additionally, the health conditions of the abducted graduates have reportedly deteriorated due to the harsh conditions of their captivity. This has heightened the anxiety of their families, who are desperately seeking their safe return.

The failure of the government and security agencies to rescue the victims has sparked outrage and frustration in Akwa Ibom State, with concerned individuals expressing their disappointment on social media and private radio stations. The situation remains critical as the families, lacking the resources to meet the kidnappers’ demands, continue to hope for a resolution to this harrowing ordeal.