Suspected kidnappers in Kogi State have demanded N10 million in ransom from the family of a middle-aged widow and mother of four children.
Mrs Sefi Jimoh, a widow, was kidnapped on the road while waiting for a commercial motorcycle, known as Okada, to take her home after a morning prayer session at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church in Lokoja’s Phase II.
“only this morning our sisters’ abductors got to us on phone demanding N10 million ransom for her freedom,” a family source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja.
“The kidnappers first called her (widow) children and informed them that their mother is with them and that she will only be released after a payment of a N10m ransom.
“We were so shocked but relieved after knowing that she is still alive after her disappearance yesterday that sent jitters into the lives of entire family members, friends and neighbours around.
“The question now is, where and how do we, in our financial position now, raise such money to secure our sister and mother?”
The source appealed with the kidnappers to show the widow and the poor family mercy, adding that getting even one million is like trying to squeeze water from a rock”.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kogi Police Command, SP William Ovye-Aya, said he couldn’t confirm or deny it since the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of “B” Division, where the event occurred, had yet to brief him.