Bandits in Zamfara State have rejected a N3 million ransom offered for the release of 26 people abducted from Gidan-Goga village, located in the Maradun Local Government Area.
Abubakar Shehu, an indigene of the village and father of three of the abducted victims, made this known on Monday during an interview with journalists.
Shehu clarified that contrary to earlier reports, 26 individuals 19 women and six men were abducted during the Sunday attack, not the 50 originally stated by some media outlets. One of Shehu’s daughters, who was preparing for marriage at the time of her abduction, is among the victims.
“We raised N3 million to offer the bandits, but they rejected it,” Shehu said. He explained that when the amount was presented to the leader of the bandits, he dismissed the offer, accusing the villagers of not being serious, before abruptly disconnecting the call. Since then, Shehu and others involved in the negotiations have been unable to reach the bandits.
Shehu recounted the harrowing attack on his community, saying that the bandits took 26 people his neighbors and later made contact to demand ransom, though they did not specify an amount. He expressed frustration over the lack of action from security forces, despite having reported the incident to local authorities.
“The security personnel in the local government have been informed, but nothing has been done,” Shehu lamented. He noted that Gidan-Goga has faced repeated attacks from the bandits, who operate from a camp near the village.
Many residents have been forced to flee Gidan-Goga due to the ongoing bandit attacks, but some, like Shehu, remain behind as they have no alternative.
