The abductors of 13 teenage female farmers in Borno State are demanding a ransom of N10 million, according to family members.
The News Chronicle earlier reported that the girls were kidnapped on Saturday by fighters from the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
A relative of one of the victims said on Tuesday that the kidnappers contacted the family through a girl who was released. He explained that the abductors freed her because she is a breastfeeding mother.
Before releasing her, the kidnappers seized her phone and handed her a new SIM card, instructing her to insert it into a phone once she got home. As soon as she did, the abductors called and demanded N10 million for the release of the remaining girls.
The relative said the community is devastated by the demand.
“We are a poor farming community struggling to feed ourselves. How can we raise such an amount to save these girls?” he lamented.
He appealed to the government and wealthy individuals to assist in securing the release of the teenagers, who remain in captivity.
When contacted, Borno State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said he had not yet received details of the incident but promised to follow up and provide updates.
He assured the community that the police are committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted girls.
