As relatives of those kidnapped in the last Kaduna train attack await terrorists’ demands, Governor Nasir el-Rufai has insisted the state won’t pay any ransom.
According to him, Boko Haram terrorists in collaboration with some bandits operating in Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto Niger, and Kebbi carried out the attack.
“The families of those kidnapped have been contacted while some of the captives themselves have called their loved ones, saying they’re doing well and they’re being taken care of. But the gunmen haven’t shown any sign of collecting ransom.
“These ones aren’t the usual kidnappers but members of Boko Haram who are collaborating with bandits.
“So we were thinking they’ll ask for a huge ransom from the state government, not the families of their victims.
“So far, they’ve asked for ransom from just one of the five families that were contacted.
“As far as the Kaduna State government is concerned, we’ve not changed our stand on payment of ransom, so, even if they seek for that from us, we’ll not pay because we are not ready to do so.”
He said President Muhammadu Buhari reassured him that drastic measures are being taken to check the activities of terrorists and bandits in the state and beyond.
“But as you know, the government will always take precautionary measures to safeguard the lives of citizens, therefore, except the victims are rescued unhurt, the air force and ground troops will not be able to confront the criminals. So to avoid any colossal damage, the captives have to be freed first,” h said.