The ransom demand for the two abducted students of Kogi State University, Kabba, has been lowered from N50 million to N10 million by the kidnappers.
Last week Friday, the students were taken at the same location and on the same day that the Caretaker Chairmen of the Kabba/Bunu LGA, Dare Micheal, and his three aides were also kidnapped.
While the caretaker chairman, Dare, was released because of his ill health that prevented him from walking with the abductors, the three aides and the two students remain in the captivity of the kidnappers.
The kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for the hostages on Monday but have now revised their demand to N50 million.
A parent, Mr. Shadrach Idowu Babalola, whose son Isaac Babalola, a student of the Public Administration Department, is one of the victims, mentioned that his son has been held by the kidnappers for a week.
The kidnappers have been persistent in their demands, with Mr. Babalola expressing their frustration, stating, “Every time they call asking for N50 million and we explain our financial constraints, they accuse us of not valuing the lives of our loved ones.”
He further added, “The last time they called and we offered what we could afford, they bluntly advised us to use the money to buy seasoning cubes for our meals.”
On the other hand, the Kogi Police Command indicated unawareness that students from the institution were among the abducted individuals.
SP William Aya, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, expressed surprise at the lack of a formal report from the students’ parents to the security authorities.
The university has not released an official statement concerning the incident as well, with the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tade Oshaloto, declining to provide any comments on the situation.