The police in Sokoto State have confirmed the kidnap of the Director of Finance of Isa Local Government Area, Bello Bodinga; his deputy, Abdulkadir Ibrahim; Staff Officer, Mrs. Hassana Mohammed and spokesman of the Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWU), Bello Arzika.
Abdulkadir, who addressed reporters yesterday, said the gunmen operated on three motorcycles and were armed.
His words: “They demanded a ransom of N250 million but got nothing. They also seized two motorcycles and fled into the forest. The victims are being held in Gundumi forest, in Goronyo council.
“I was there yesterday with some officers to enforce their freedom but we retreated following the request of the Chairman of Isa council, Col. Garba Moyi (rtd).
“Moyi said dialogue was on to resolve the impasse and that the ransom was being pruned down.”
Families of the victims and authorities of the local government are handling the dialogue, added.
Abdulkadir, however, said the command was still independently tracking the victims and their captors, with a view to free them in “peace not in pieces”.
Col. Moyi corroborated Abdulkadir’s stand, saying the dialogue was “positively progressing”.
According to him, contact was established with the kidnappers through the leader of repentant cattle rustlers in the area.
“We have been talking with the kidnappers and as at Tuesday, they reduced the ransom to N1 million.
“Later yesterday, they agreed to release them unconditionally but they did not. They asked the District Head of Isa to call them and he did, and anytime from now, the victims will be released unconditionally.”