In a recent development, Mrs Sadiya Hassan Shandozhi, the wife of the traditional ruler of Bukpe, and her son, Osama Hassan Shandozhi, have been released by their captors after seven weeks of abduction. The mother and son were among the six people kidnapped by bandits from their residences in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 4, 2023.
Alhaji Hassan Shandozhi, the Village Head of Bukpe, confirmed the release of his wife and one of his sons, but revealed that the bandits were now demanding another N3 million to release his other son and two of his subjects that are still in their custody. According to a family member, Danjuma Usman, the bandits were given N2.5 million, foodstuff, hard drugs, energy drinks, and wines in a forest in Kogi State before they released the two captives.
However, the kidnappers have refused to release Hamisu, the other son of the chief, and the two other victims. DSP Adeh Josephine, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the FCT, is yet to react to this development. The incident has left residents of the area in fear, with many calling on the government to intervene and put an end to the rising cases of banditry and kidnapping in the country.