Criminal gang frees 48 children after ransom payment in Nigeria

A criminal gang has released 48 children, aged seven to twelve, in central Nigeria after a ransom was paid, according to a local chief and a UN source.

The children were abducted three weeks ago from a farm in the Sabon Rijiya village area. Initially, 54 children were rounded up by one group and held for three days, but they were released without a ransom. However, on their way home, a different gang, loyal to a notorious bandit leader with ties to the jihadist group Ansaru, captured 48 of them.

One child died in the custody of the first group, and five escaped while being transported by the second group, leaving 48 in captivity. The UN source confirmed the release of the 48 children.

These "bandits" are known for their involvement in kidnappings and cattle rustling, primarily targeting rural communities in northwest and central Nigeria. They also engage in village raids and looting. Some groups have been known to impose extortion on mining and farming operations.

Violence by bandits and jihadists has intensified in Niger state, where armed groups have established camps in forests and animal reserves. Large rural areas of Nigeria have a limited state presence, and security forces are often overstretched.

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Forty children were released last night and the remaining eight were released today after we paid the ransom.