Abducted Zamfara twins released after payment of N15m ransom

Two female twins abducted 25 days ago by gunmen in Dauran Village, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been returned to their family.
The confirmation was made in Gusau, on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Mohammed Shehu, who also said that the victims were being debriefed by the command in Gusau.
The two girls, who came home from the state capital, Gusau, to distribute their wedding cards and make other wedding plans, were abducted by the gunmen along with four others, including their pregnant elder sister, Rukayya (still in captivity).
It was on realisation of the concern and media reports centered on the twins that their abductors demanded for an initial ransom of N150 million from the relatives of the orphans whose father died recently shortly after his retirement from the state’s civil service.
After several pleas by the relatives and threats of fire power by the state government and security operatives in the state, the ransom was reduced to N15 million which led to their brother – in-law giving out his bank account number for good samaritans to donate.
A close associate of the family, who preferred anonymity, said that the money was raised and taken to the bandits on Saturday at a location they gave, about 20 kilometres from Dumburum village.
The location is one of the notorious areas of operations of the bandits in the same Zurmi local government area.
“The gunmen, numbering over 100, each one carrying an AK 47 rifle, surrounded those who brought the money, the person who seemed to be their leader threw sand on the two bags with the money, jumped and chanted some words, then asked his boys to take the money away.
“Then came a bus in high speed which brought the two girls and the four people who brought the money were told to go with the girls without turning back, ” he said.
Meanwhile, the remaining victims including the pregnant woman, were yet to be rescued.
Also when contacted, the Chairman of Zurmi Local Government, Dr. Auwal Bawa, said that he would not say anything to journalists over the matter until he got permission from the governor.
“You know, this is a sensitive security issue and you are likely to ask on something that requires policy making response which is why I have to get clearance from the governor, ” the Chairman said.
The Acting Information Officer, Operation Sharan Daji, Maj. Clement Abiade, said “the bandits no longer have options than to release those in their custody because of the joint security operation taking place which does not give them chance to operate.”