Niger State bandits abduct farmers and demand ₦94m ransom

Suspected bandits have abducted a group of farmers in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. The victims were reportedly taken on September 27 while harvesting groundnuts in the Tugan-Rimi and Mukura village areas. While one report states 47 people were taken, the Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of more than 20 individuals.

Aliyu Bagga Muhammadu, the Chairman of Mariga LGA, confirmed that one of the abducted women gave birth while in captivity. The kidnappers are demanding a total ransom of ₦94 million, which equates to approximately ₦2 million per victim.

Joint security forces have been mobilized and are tracking the abductors. Earlier engagements between security teams and the bandits near the Kasuwan Garba and Beri axis resulted in an injury to a vigilante member. Security operatives continue to monitor the movement of the armed group as they attempt to secure the safe release of the captives.