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On February 20th, 2024, gunmen kidnapped nine Jehovah's Witnesses in Kogi State, Nigeria, demanding a ransom of around $66,000 USD (30 million Nigerian naira). This incident follows another recent kidnapping of nine travelers near the same area, where kidnappers demanded around $32,000 USD (2.6 million naira).
Kidnapped Individuals' Situation
As of February 20th when the news first broke, there have been no updates on the status or release of the nine abducted Jehovah's Witnesses. Here is what is known so far:
- Four men, two women, and three teenage girls were taken while traveling to Lokoja for a convention.
- During negotiations, the kidnappers reduced their initial demand from $66,000 USD to $32,000 USD.
- Families have been unable to reach the victims by phone since the kidnapping.
- No further public details have emerged about the captives' safety or condition.
Response from the 'Jehovah's Witness Community'
The spouse of one victim, Elupo Eliazer, spoke with reporters voicing concern over his wife's wellbeing. According to him, the group was from the Kabba Kingdom Hall and was attacked after leaving together.
- Families received monetary demands from the kidnappers, starting at 30 million naira ($66,000 USD) and later reduced to 2.6 million naira ($32,000 USD).
- Some relatives likely alerted authorities despite threats, as officials reported the crime quickly.
- The Jehovah's Witness organization has yet to issue an official statement directly addressing the issue.
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