18 abducted Kano traders regain freedom

Eighteen traders from Kano who were abducted while travelling to Abia state have regained freedom.

The victims from the popular textile market in Kantin Kwari, Kano, were travelling to Aba to buy goods when they were attacked along Lokoja-Okene road on January 10.

In an interview with The PUNCH, on Sunday, Abubakar Babawo, president of Arewa Youth Traders Association of Nigeria, said the kidnapped victims have regained freedom.

Babawo said the victims were released by their abductors on Saturday evening.

He said they are currently on their way to Kano.

The association’s president said ransom was paid to secure the release of the traders, but he refused to mention how much was paid to the kidnappers.

“The 18 Kano traders who were among the 27 traders regained their freedom on Saturday evening. They slept in Kaduna and they are now on their way to Kano,” he said.

“We are expecting them today in Kano as we have been communicating with them. We communicated with some of them. All of them are released. They are fine and en route to Kano.

“I cannot tell you the amount paid to secure their release but a ransom was paid before they were released.”