Kidnappers of the 31 train passengers at the Tom Ikimi/Ekehen train station in Igueben, Edo State, have demanded N20 million ransom for each of the 31 victims, totaling N620 million.

The Executive-Director of Esan Youth for Good Governance and Social Justice, Benson Odia, last night told The Nation that the kidnappers had contacted some victims’ families.

According to him, the gunmen demanded ‘a non-negotiable’ N20 million ransom for each person.

He said: “I can confirm that the kidnappers have demanded N20 million from each of the 31 victims still being held, totaling N620 million. This is absurd and I do not know where the poor people will raise that.”

Recall that the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare had said six victims of the attack were rescued while 25 remain with the abductors.

But the gunmen dismissed the commissioner’s claims, insisting that the 31 victims were intact in their den.

Police spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, pleaded for more time to confirm the claim on ransom, while the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, could not be reached for confirmation.