Abductors of Kogi Poly students, CUSTECH staff demand N3m ransom

Abductors of two female students of Kogi State Polytechnic (Itakpe campus) and non-academic staff of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) have demanded three million Naira ransom.

The trio were kidnapped, on Sunday, at a Living Faith Church located in the Osara community, Adavi LGA of Kogi State during a night rehearsal. Names of the abducted female students were given as Christiana and Kemi.

Christiana hails from Okengwe in Okene local government.

A staff of CUSTECH working with the ICT department by the name Joseph Arome Simeon was kidnapped alongside two female students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe Campus.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N30 million to secure their release, N10million for each of them. After much pleading, the abductors reduced the ransom to N3 million.

A relative of one of the abducted students, who craved anonymity, told KogiReports that the kidnappers have been in touch with family members of the abducted student and varsity staff.

“That actually demanded N30million. Some relatives who engaged the kidnappers begged and it was reduced to N1million for each of the abductees.

“One of the parents begged that they accept N100,000 ransom for each of them. They threatened to kill the victims so we begged that they spare them while we run around to raise money. Even the N100,000 is beyond my reach as a civil servant.

“Kemi’s grandfather died on Monday and her father had to rush to Kwara State, leaving her mother and brother to continue with negotiations.

“We believe in God and prayers because at the moment, most of us are confused. We are still appealing to them to reduce the ransom as we prayerfully hope help will come our way to raise the ransom demanded,” he said.

He revealed that the same kidnap gang had abducted a man in the area last week but could not reach any of his relatives as he was without a phone. After failed attempt to make any contact for his ransom, they returned the man and abducted the students and varsity staff.

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