Bandits kidnapped 20 children from Kusherki in Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State, and demanded N40 million ransom for their release.

Three weeks ago, the victims, which included four boys and 16 women between the ages of 4 and 10, were kidnapped.

Alhaji Auwal Usman (a resident of the community) explained in an interview that bandits now want N40m to release the abducted people who are being forced into difficult situations by the gunmen.

Usman called for increased efforts by the state government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure they are rescued unhurt.

"We are appealing to the Niger State government and security agencies to come to our assistance because parents of the kidnapped children are under serious pressure following the abduction of their children and wards,” Usman said.

The Commissioner of Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs Mr. Emmanuel Bagna Umar, in his reaction, gave assurances of the state government’s commitment to rid the state of all forms of crimes.

He noted that the government is working tirelessly in conjunction with conventional and non-conventional forces to rescue the children and other victims of kidnapping throughout the state and ensure they come back to their loved ones alive and unharmed.

"The state government is doing everything within its power to ensure that these children are united with their families safely," he said.

"Though the state is coming across some casualties in the process, in all, we are really winning the war against banditry. We applaud security agencies and vigilante groups in the state for their gallantry in the discharge of their duties," he added.