Bandits demand N50m ransom for abducted retired colonel, children

Bandits have demanded N50 million ransom for the release of a retired colonel, Rabiu Yandoto and his two children who were still in captivity.

Speaking to The PUNCH on phone, one of Yandoto’s relations who begged for anonymity for security reasons said the bandits called him and demanded N50 million ransom.

Suspected bandits kidnapped the retired colonel and his two children along Gusau-Tsafe road in Zamfara State last week.

The retired colonel was going back to his hometown together with his children, when they were ambushed by bandits and taken to the forest.

The money according to him has however been reduced to N5 million, following series of negotiations between the bandits and the family.

“They called me three days ago and told me that we should bring the sum of N50 million if we want colonel Yandoto and his children to be released.

“But after negotiations, they said we should bring N5 million. We thought he was dead because we suspected that he was abducted by assassins for political reasons.

“We are trying to gather the amount through donation from family and friends,” he added.

Contacted for comment, the Spokesperson for the state Police Command, SP Mohammed Shehu, said he was not aware of the money demanded by the bandits.

He however stated that, “The state police command under the leadership of CP Kolo Yusuf was making frantic efforts to rescue col Yandoto and his children.

“I am not aware of the amount demanded by the bandits for the release of the retired Colonel.

“All I know is that the command, under the table leadership of CP Kolo Yusuf is doing its best to rescue him.”

(Punch)