Kidnappers of the 28 travellers abducted in Zak community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, have reduced their ransom demand from N42 million to N30 million.

The abductors have also demanded three brand-new motorcycles as an additional condition for the release of the victims.

The travellers were kidnapped while en route to attend a Maulud celebration. On Tuesday, the kidnappers contacted the victims’ relatives, initially demanding N1.5 million per person. Family members said they could not raise the amount and appealed to the abductors to release the captives.

The Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Muhammed Hamisu, earlier disclosed that security agencies had deployed helicopters and troops to search for the victims. The Plateau State Police Command also said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abductees and apprehend those responsible.

However, on Wednesday, the kidnappers reduced the ransom to N30 million and insisted on three new motorcycles.

A resident of Zak community, Babawo Gwadabe, whose seven nephews and nieces are among the abducted, confirmed the latest demand.

“They have reduced the money to N30 million, but they are insisting on three new motorcycles as well,” he said. “We don’t have that kind of money. The community and relatives have raised a little, but they have refused to agree. We are really in tension.”

Gwadabe expressed fears about the safety of the victims, citing a previous experience.

“Even if the money is provided, there is no certainty they will release them. Last year, my father was abducted, N3 million was demanded and paid, yet he was killed. We are confused. Only God can help us,” he said. (Daily Trust)