The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) on Monday, lamented that indigenes are becoming impoverished from paying ransom to abductors across the 12 local government areas of Kaduna State where there are locals.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday in Kaduna, SOKAPU President, Honourable Jonathan Asake explained that community members have paid ransoms to the tune of N900m.
“Our poor vulnerable people paid over N900m as ransom to criminals in 2020. This is a minimal and conservative estimate. The ones we have are those that have reported to us,” SOKAPU President, Honourable Jonathan Asake said.
He said at a particular kidnapping point, over N60m was paid within a spate of two months.
“There is a particular point between Kafanchan and Kwoi which came up recently and over N60m was paid there in less than two months.
“Our people are being impoverished every day by kidnapping and abductions,” he stressed.
SOKAPU described Kaduna State as the nation’s capital for kidnapping and abduction, with rising cases daily.
