KADUNA - Gunmen who abducted 286 students and staff from a school in northern Nigeria last week have requested a ransom totaling 1 billion naira ($620,432) for their release, according to a spokesperson for the families of the hostages and a local council member. The incident, which occurred on March 7 in Kuriga, Kaduna State, marks the first mass kidnapping in Nigeria since 2021. The kidnappers, who contacted the families through a spokesperson, have given a 20-day ultimatum to meet their demand, threatening to harm the hostages otherwise.

Idris Ibrahim, an official from the Kuriga Ward municipal council, confirmed the ransom demand and mentioned efforts by authorities to trace the kidnappers' hidden phone number. The security forces are reportedly taking necessary steps to secure the students' release. However, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner of internal security and home affairs in Kaduna State, has not responded to requests for comment on the situation.

President Bola Tinubu's stance, as conveyed by information minister Mohammed Idris, emphasizes the urgency of rescuing the hostages without giving in to the kidnappers' demands. Tinubu's directive aligns with previous legislation aimed at discouraging ransom payments for hostages. The requested ransom equates to over $2,000 per hostage, surpassing Nigeria's annual per capita income according to IMF data.