Bandits demand N110m ransom for 156 schoolchildren kidnapped in Niger

Bandits have demanded N110m ransom for the release of 156 Islamiyya students abducted in Niger state.

Several students of Salihu Tanko islamiyya school were abducted in Tegina town in Rafi LGA on Sunday.

According to THISDAY, Abubakar Alhassan, the school headmaster, said the abductors contacted the school to demand the ransom on Monday.

“I was baffled when the kidnappers declared to me that the sum of N110m should be paid to secure the release of the pupils and threatened to kill all the children if the money is not paid by the end of yesterday (Tuesday), he said.

Alhassan said the bandits confirmed having a total of 156 students in their custody.

He said the bandits threatened to kill all the children in captivity if they fail to pay the demanded ransom.

In a statement by Mary Noel-Berje, chief press secretary to Niger governor, the state government said it would not pay ransom to the bandits but would consider negotiations.

“We don’t pay ransom to abductors. We are trying to negotiate to see how we can bring them back safely,” the statement quoted the deputy governor as saying.

However, the parents and the community have started to source the ransom for the release of their children.