Abductors of the four female students of Nasarawa State University Keffi, (NSUK), have demanded for the sum of N80 million as ransom for their release from captivity.
LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that four students of the institution were abducted from their off-campus residence in Angwan Kare area of Keffi town on Monday night.
The affected students include Rahila Hanya (SLT), Josephine Gershon (Computer Science), Rosemary Samuel (Business Administration), and Goodness Samuel (Geography).
The gunmen were said to have invaded the students’ off-campus residence at about 10:30pm and abducted them.
The Nasarawa State Police Command, which confirmed the abduction of the students, told journalists on Tuesday that it had launched manhunt for their abductors with a view to rescue the victims.
However, a source in the institution told LEADERSHIP on Thursday that the assailants had reached out with their demands before the students could be released.
“The kidnappers have contacted appropriate persons and have demanded for the sum of N80 million for the release of the students.
“The N80 million is a cumulative amount for all the four students. What it means is that they want N20 million for each student,” the source told LEADERSHIP in confidence.
She said although the kidnappers and persons contacted have not reached a middle ground as regards the negotiation, efforts were on to secure the release of the students.
A Student Union official of the institution, Senator Julius James K, who confirmed the development, said securing the release of the students was a priority, and everything was being done to ensure the same.
“The school management, and the Students Union and the security agencies are working tirelessly to see these students released from their captivity. We pray they will be released soon,” he stated.