The abductors of eight recent graduates from Akwa Ibom State in Zamfara State in August 2023 are demanding N50 million as ransom for the release of the remaining victim, Bassey Daniel.
The victim’s mother, Mrs. Margaret Daniel, shared her distress from her community in Afaha Ube Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. She expressed her inability to raise such a large amount, saying, “I am just a petty trader, I sell akara and bread. How will I raise that kind of money? I am helpless. When that amount was mentioned, I fell sick. And I have been asking God why my only son?”
The kidnappers initially took nine people that day in Zamfara State. While the other eight have been freed, the captors are still holding Bassey and demanding N50 million. Mrs. Margaret explained, “His father died a long time ago when he (Bassey) was just three years old. I struggled alone to raise him and sent him to school. I used the small money from the akara business to send my boy to school, from primary school, secondary and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.”
She appealed to Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, NYSC officials, and security agencies to help secure her son’s release.
A family member, Mr. Imoh, expressed gratitude to the security agencies and NYSC management for their efforts so far and pleaded for continued assistance to ensure Bassey’s safe return. He noted the emotional toll on Mrs. Margaret whenever she sees corps members in uniform.
It is worth noting that a female victim of the Zamfara State kidnapping incident was released on June 12, 2024. It was speculated that her relatives paid a substantial ransom, although the exact amount was not disclosed.
