In the latest development, Armed kidnappers in Nigeria have released Ahmed Sani Toro, former secretary-general of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The kidnappers have also released two other men. A police spokesperson confirmed the release of the hostages but did not provide further details. The kidnappers reduced their ransom demand for the trio’s release on Monday. However, it is unclear if a ransom was paid before they were released.
How did the kidnappers kidnap the former NFF secretary-general?
The former NFF secretary-general was kidnapped on Saturday on his way from Abuja to Bauchi after attending the wedding ceremony of the son of former NFF President Aminu Maigari. He was kidnapped alongside a former Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles, Garba Yila.
According to the BCC, the kidnappers made some ridiculous ransom demands to release the trio. They talked to one of Toro’s children on Saturday.
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Who is Ahmed Sani Toro?
Ahmed Sani Toro was a former Commissioner of Sports in Bauchi state. He was the Secretary-General of the NFA between 1993 and 1999. He also served as a member of the state’s House of Representatives. He also played at the 1996 Olympics football event and the 1998 World Cup in France.
Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis
Nigeria is considered the kidnapping hotspot of the world. The country is facing a worsening spate of kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs. More than 3,000 people were kidnapped in Nigeria in the first half of 2021, according to the United Nations.
According to media reports, militants and armed gangs operating in Nigeria’s northern region have terrorised civilians in recent years.
The armed gangs are often called ‘criminal bandit gangs’. The gangs of criminals have been increasingly menacing the northwest region of Nigeria. They use violence and murder to threaten villagers into submission. They carry out a mass kidnapping of school children, abduction for ransom, cattle rustling and destruction of properties.
