Three Qur’an memorisers from the same family have been abducted by suspected bandits while travelling to Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Family sources said the victims were intercepted along the road and taken into captivity, where they have remained for more than three weeks. The abductors are reportedly demanding a ransom of eight million naira and have issued a four-day deadline for payment, threatening to kill the hostages if their demands are not met within the stated time.
Local authorities confirmed that security agencies have been notified and are working together to secure the release of the victims. In response to the incident, patrols and intelligence operations have been intensified along vulnerable rural routes, especially roads leading to Kotonkoro, which residents say have become increasingly risky for travellers.
The incident has heightened fear among residents of Mariga and surrounding communities, with many families now taking extra precautions when travelling. Community members say the situation reflects growing insecurity on remote roads and are calling for stronger protection measures to prevent further abductions while efforts continue to rescue the captives safely.
