Taye Ajoke, a National Diploma student at Nasarawa State’s Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, who was kidnapped earlier this week, has been freed after a ransom of N300,000 was paid to her abductors.
Ajoke was abducted during an attack on her residence in Ombi 1, which is approximately two kilometers away from the Polytechnic. The assailants, heavily armed and firing shots, took her to an undisclosed location during the incident. Tragically, two other students and an admission seeker were left with gunshot wounds as a result of the attack.
According to Ekom Ayaka, the President of the Students Union Government at the polytechnic, the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million but later reduced the ransom to N500,000 when they realized that the initial demand could not be met. After further negotiations and appeals, they ultimately agreed to release Ajoke in exchange for N300,000.
Ayaka expressed gratitude that Ajoke had been released by the bandits and emphasized the challenges her family and friends faced in raising the ransom amount. Ajoke was released from captivity at approximately 7 pm on Wednesday.
Kidnappings for ransom have been a growing concern in Nigeria, with victims often subjected to traumatic experiences. Efforts are being made by various stakeholders, including security agencies, to address the issue and ensure the safety of citizens.