…3 still detained until they get three new motorcycles
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the release of 10 out of the 13 abducted staff of the Zaria local government council, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The Command’s spokesman, Mohammed Jalige, told newsmen yesterday, in Zaria, that the kidnapped staff were released on Saturday, adding that efforts are on to ensure the release of the remaining three victims. Jalige, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, however, declined comment on whether ransom was paid to secure the release of the abducted staff.
Recall that on November 8, the Director, Education and Social Development, Deborah Mugu, her deputy, Dalhatu Aliyu-Awai, and 11 other staff members of Zaria local government council, were abducted by unknown gunmen.
The staff was abducted at Kidandan, Giwa local government area of Kaduna State, while on their way for a condolence visit to a fellow staff member who lost his father.
However, a family source, who craved anonymity, told newsmen that the staff members were released after payment of N40m ransom to the kidnappers. He added that family members of the victims contributed money to pay the ransom.
He further said that the kidnappers did not release three of the abducted staff because some conditions for the release were N40 million and three brand new motorcycles. “The freed victims are yet to be united with their families because they are taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical examinations”, he explained.
When contacted, the chairman of Zaria local government council, Aliyu Ibrahim, said he cannot add anything to what the family source told newsmen. When further asked on whether the council would provide the new motorcycle to get the three remaining staff released, Ibrahim replied, “Fall back to your source”.
