Oliver Lazarus, a newly admitted student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), was alongside seven members of his family kidnapped on October 24, 2022, from their farm in Lango Daji Maiyaki district of Lapai Local Government Area, Niger State.
The student and his family members regained freedom after spending 44 days in captivity, but not with one of his uncles. “He was shot dead a day before we were released,” he told WikkiTimes. Immediately after they were set free on November 13, Lazarus and others were taken to Lapai General Hospital for treatment.
READ: Week After Sending Signal, Bandits Attack Lapai Communities in Niger
Hitherto, one of Lazarus’ younger brothers was set free to go and deliver a message to other family members at home. “He was given a sheet of paper containing the kidnapper’s contact and a demand of N6.4 million ransom,” Lazarus narrated.
His sister, Monica Lazarus, explained that there were nine people on the farm when the bandits invaded. “But one escaped and rushed home to break the news,” she said. According to her, local security operatives in the village were alerted but efforts to thwart the attack proved abortive.
READ: Again, Bandits Reign Terror in Lapai, Kill 2, Abduct Scores from General Hospital
“All efforts to get the attention of the government did not work,” Moniza added, stressing they had no option than raise the ransom demanded.
Monica explained that despite meeting the bandits’ requests, they still killed one person among the captives.
