Bandits Release Retired Colonel And His Two Children After N10M Ransom

A retired colonel, Rabiu Garba Yandoto and his two children who were abducted by bandits have regained freedom after the sum of N10 million was paid as ransom.

The bandits kidnapped Yandoto and his children along Gusau-Tsafe road in Zamfara State a few days ago and demanded N50m ransom.

Speaking to the Punch shortly after the release, Yandoto said the bandits were paid N10 million ransom.

"They collected N10 million and brought me together with my children near Faskari town in Katsina State and told us to find our way home. As I am speaking to you, we were released barely one hour ago and I thank God that I was not killed while in the bandits’ camp." he said.

He thanked all those who contributed to his release through donations.

When asked whether his abduction was politically motivated, Yandoto said, “I can’t rule out that possibility. I don’t want to say much about the issue now.”

One of Yandoto’s relatives who begged for anonymity said that the bandits called him and demanded N50 million ransom.

According to him, the money was, however, reduced to N5 million, following a series of negotiations between the bandits and the family.

It will be recalled that Yandoto once blamed former State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa for the escalation of insecurity in the state.