25 days in creek: Abductors demand additional N20m ransom

Militant kidnappers, who swooped on the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, 25 days ago, abducting six students, are now demanding additional N20million ransom before they would let the children go.

This new twist to abduction saga, was said to have witnessed parents of the abducted victims breaking down in tears and despairs.

Last week, the kidnappers told the parents that they should entertain any fear that their sick children were now hale and hearty. They also promised to release the kids this week.

 On May 9, the kidnappers collected a ransom of N10 million. They money was collected after a long drawn haggling with Lagos State Government, which allegedly refused to pay ransom.

The kidnappers finally succumbed and collected N10million from the worried parents. Hope was high that the kidnappers would release the children on that May 9, night or May 10, morning, but till date, they are still waiting. The reason they held unto the six students is yet unknown.

On Saturday, New Telegraph got information from security sources that the kidnappers, led by General America, have turned Oliver Twist, demanding additional N20million to the N10million they had earlier collected.

The news caused panic and fear among parents who allegedly had to beg, borrow and sold property in order to be able to contribute and raise the N10million.

One of the kidnappers, who called one of the parents on Tuesday, had promised that the students would be released this week.

 According to a source, the kidnappers plan was to collect  N50million ransom, which they had earlier demanded.

The source said: “ From all indications, these kidnappers want to collect N50million and they wouldn’t mind collecting it in instalment.”

 The source added: “No matter how long it takes the kidnappers, and whatever money they want to collect from the victims’ parents, I know it wouldn’t stop policemen from getting them.  Police are going to arrest the kidnappers and reunite the students with their parents. Police are feeling the pains of the students. These kidnappers will not be able to hide from the police. The same God that assisted the police to arrest Evans, will guide and help in catching General America and bringing the children home.