Gunmen Kidnap 75-year-old Woman in Niger State, Demand N100m

A 75-year-old woman and mother of a onetime chairman of Rijau local government area in Niger State, Hajiya Umma Rijau, has been kidnapped by some unknown gunmen who are demanding N100 million ransom.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the woman was kidnapped over the weekend at about 10:45pm by three gunmen who stormed her house shooting into the air.

It was gathered that at the time the gunmen stormed the house, her son, a former council chair and now businessman, Audu Berri Rijau, was not around.

An eyewitness revealed to LEADERSHIP that immediately they criminals snatched the octogenarian, they took the route towards neighbouring Kebbi State.

Our correspondent gathered that in order to avoid being traced by police, the gunmen burnt the vehicle the came in, snatched motorbikes from villagers and escaped towards Kebbi State.

A family source further told LEADERSHIP that the kidnappers have made contact with the family and demanded N100 million for her release, adding that if the amount was not paid they will kill Hajiya Umma.

When contacted, the police public relations officer (PPRO) in charge of Niger State command, Mr. Bala Elkana (ASP) confirmed the incident, saying that immediately the incident occurred, the special anti-kidnapping team in the area were mobilized and are working on the case.

Culled from:

Leadership Newspaper