Niger State Hostage Crisis: 40 Released, 110 Still Captive

 Forty of the 150 residents abducted from Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State have been released by their captors.

The hostages, mostly women and children, were freed after the community provided N2 million and 12 Honda motorcycles to the kidnappers.

The release took place on Tuesday morning following the community's efforts to meet the kidnappers' demands. Each motorcycle reportedly cost N1.2 million. However, 110 hostages remain in captivity.

Sources indicated that the kidnappers have proposed to release another 40 hostages if the community provides an additional N2 million and six more motorcycles. Negotiations are ongoing between the bandits and community representatives.

This ordeal began three weeks ago when a large group of bandits invaded Kuchi community, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including four security personnel. The bandits looted homes, shops, and barns, taking over 150 residents hostage in an attack that lasted more than three hours without any intervention from security forces.

Initially, the bandits demanded N150 million for the release of all captives, but the community attempted to negotiate a payment of N100,000 per person, which the bandits refused. They later settled for the motorcycles and cash deal for the release of smaller groups of hostages.

A source involved in the negotiations stated: "We have been negotiating with the bandits, and they finally agreed to collect six Honda motorcycles and N2 million for the release of two groups totaling 40 in number. The 150 people they abducted were divided into six groups, and they said we should bring six Honda motorcycles and N2 million cash for each group. This is after they rejected our initial offer of N100,000 per person. They have released two groups, with four groups remaining."

The source also expressed frustration over the lack of government and security presence, saying: "Since the incident, no government official or security agent has visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment. The community is left without security at the moment and has remained deserted."

Local government chairman Aminu Najume confirmed the attack and abduction but could not verify the release of the 40 hostages. He clarified that the council was not involved in the negotiations and promised to gather information and update accordingly.

Similarly, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, said he would verify the information and provide details.