The kidnappers of Adamawa United Football Club’s driver have lowered the ransom they demanded from N50 million to N10 million, a government official has told Daily Trust.
The driver, Alhaji Kabiru, was abducted on Friday around 6:45 after gunmen attacked the club’s players along Benin-Ore Express Way in Benin City.
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The players traveling to Lagos for a football match scheduled for last Sunday were dispossessed of their phones, money and food during the robbery.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Sports, Abubakar Jada, told Daily Trust in Yola that progress had been made in the negotiation and the kidnapped driver might soon enjoy freedom.
He disclosed that the kidnappers had reduced their initial demand of N50 million to N10 million but talks would continue to secure the unconditional release of the captive.
He noted that officials had been in contact with the victim’s family at every stage to reassure them and inform them about the efforts being made to free him.
“We have recorded progress in the talks. Since Friday, the kidnappers reduced the ransom from N50 million to N40, then to N30 million, N20 million and now to N10 million but we are still pleading with them to release the kidnapped person,” he stated.