RESIDENTS of Kuchi, an agrarian community in Munya Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, continue to suffer as 148 farmers remain in captivity fifty-three days after a devastating bandit raid on May 24, 2024.
The bandits, numbering over 100, abducted the farmers, including pregnant women and children, and have since demanded ransom for their release.
Abdulmalik Iliyasu, speaking to our correspondent, expressed anguish over the situation, revealing that some captives have died. Those released revealed that the bandits collected ransom before informing families of the deaths.
“The bandits demand N2 million and a Honda motorcycle for each captive. We are farmers, and without access to our farms, we have no means to raise such sums,” lamented Iliyasu.
He further disclosed that informants within the communities have been undermining negotiation efforts by revealing wealthy families to the bandits, resulting in increased ransom demands.
Communities like Kapana, Wuloto, and Godan also have residents in captivity, exacerbating the region’s crisis.
The district head of one affected community highlighted the pervasive fear among farmers, exacerbated by the bandits’ threats of further attacks and the loss of livestock during raids.
Residents appealed for government intervention, particularly securing the Dan-Gunu riverbank, a known crossing point for bandits into Munya LGA from Kaduna State. They urged authorities to support their return to farming, essential for their livelihoods.
In response, SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, assured ongoing efforts in collaboration with the military to rescue the victims, underscoring a coordinated operation between Niger and Kaduna states.
