Niger Residents Pay Cash To Escape Abduction

Amid a reported upsurge in the activities of kidnappers in Kontagora, Niger State, two people were again yesterday kidnapped in the area after receiving a warning letter from their abductors.

Sources hinted that the new mode of operation by the kidnappers was to drop a letter warning their target of their impending operation.

It was learnt that they often tell their targets to pay money instead of being abducted, failing which violent operations would follow.

Two residents, Fatima Muhammad and Aminu Maiguga of the Bayawn area of the town, who received a warning letter earlier and disregarded the warning, were abducted yesterday.

Police public relations officer (PPRO), Wasiu Abiodun confirmed to LEADERSHIP that “it was reported at ‘A’ Division Kontagora that at about 0100hrs, some suspected kidnappers entered a residence at Bayawn Bayawn area of Kotangora, abducted two persons – Fatima Muhammad and Aminu Maiguga – to unknown destination.”

He said police operatives and vigilante members were mobilised to trail and rescue the victims.

Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP findings revealed that the residents are living in palpable fear as the abductors target Talba Estate, Rafin Karma, Dadin Kowa, Gangaren Sagi, and the bye-pass areas of Kontagora.