ABUJA, Oct 29 (NNN-GNA) — Abductors of passengers and several students from the University of Nigeria who were travelling to Nsukka along the Ugwuogo-Nike/Opi/Nsukka Road have reportedly demanded a ransom of N300 million.
The act is suspected to be perpetrated by herdsmen on Sunday, Oct 23.
It is unclear how many were abducted, but sources say there were more than 10.
A family member of the abducted said that the abductors contacted his family and demanded they collectively raise N300 million to secure the release of the abductees.
According to him, the kidnappers were seven in number and allegedly Fulani.
He said the abductors rejected the N500,000 offered as a ransom to secure the release of the students. They, instead, asked them to start preparing for their burial if “we’ll even see their bodies to bury.”
“They are now threatening that they will kill all of them if the money is not complete.”
It was learnt that some passengers were killed a few metres from the military checkpoint along Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road on Sunday.
The passengers were travelling in five vehicles when they were attacked.
The report says some narrowly escaped.
Many of the passengers were students of the University of Nigeria who were returning to school following the suspension of eight months of industrial action by lecturers and the subsequent resumption of academic activities. — NNN-GNA