The kidnappers said they have 77 persons in their captivity, and that they could be released if the said amount of money is paid to them.

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, spokesman, Luka Binniyat, made the revelation in a statement, explaining that, “SOKAPU had earlier reported that 10 of the 65 abducted villagers were able to escape a day after they were kidnapped. Going by the latest village headcount, 72 persons are being held by the kidnappers. They are made up of 16 males and 56 females.”

He said, “It will, therefore, mean that the kidnappers have captured some other persons to make up for the 77 captives they are claiming. Surprisingly, the Kaduna State Government that has made it a habit of giving out daily updates on the security situation in Kaduna state has not made any mention of this mass abduction which occurred in Libere Gida around 11:30 pm of the 22nd April 2021.”

The statement added that Libere is close to the three major IDP camps in Kajuru local government area, in Kallah town, Geffe, and Rimau where not less than 5,000 have been staying under subhuman conditions since they were chased out from their various villages in May 2020 by armed Fulani herdsmen.

He said, “It will, therefore, mean that the kidnappers have captured some other persons to make up for the 77 captives they are claiming. Surprisingly, the Kaduna State Government that has made it a habit of churning out daily updates on the security situation in Kaduna state has not made any mention of this mass abduction which occurred in Libere Gida around 11:30 pm of the 22nd April 2021.”

The statement added that Libere is close to the three major IDP camps in Kajuru local government area, in Kallah town, Geffe, and Rimau where not less than 5,000 have been staying under subhuman conditions since they were chased out from their various villages in May 2020 by armed Fulani herdsmen.