The Twenty three passengers travelling with the Niger State Transport Authority, NSTA Minna, have been kidnapped on the way to Katsina along Jos Road in Plateau state.

According to our sources, the passengers were ambushed on a quiet road, Tuesday evening, after the driver took a detour from the usual route approved by the company.

Two of the abducted passengers have regained their freedom after their families paid a ransom.

One of the freed victims, Emmanuel Ayodele, who was traveling for an official engagement said the driver had stopped along a bush-path to get some fuel when the gunmen struck. “He wanted to buy fuel, we asked him to take us to where there are houses and people but he left us. Few minutes later, we were rounded up and they marched us into a bush path.

“They seized 23 of us and left those whom they felt may not have ransom to pay. They took our phones and asked us to mention those they can contact to save our lives. I gave my wife’s number and that was how they started the negotiations

“I can’t say how much was paid. Others are still there. I do not know the place because they covered my eyes.”

One of the victims’ family members said her brother was abducted while he was going to the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State to complete documentation having secured an appointment.

She made a passionate appeal for help, “Since the incident happened, it’s really unfortunate that even the NSTA or the government has not got in touch with us. The kidnappers are demanding N40m but we have been bargaining with them. They said the least they would collect is N30m and we don’t have such amount.”

A state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun was quick to point out to newsmen that the incident didn’t happen in Niger.“It did not happen within our jurisdiction and we cannot give account of what transpired in another state.’’ Abiodun said.

Chukwugozie Okeke reporting, Obinwannem News