Gunmen who abducted 31 Edo train passengers on Saturday have allegedly demanded N620m ransom for their release.

It was gathered on Monday that the criminals had presented their demands to the families of the abductees.

Executive Director, Esan Youth for Good Governance and Social Justice, Benson Odia, disclosed that the kidnappers were demanding N20m for each victim.

This was as the police anti-terrorism squad and the Nigerian Railway Corporation on Monday met to strategise on ways to rescue the train passengers.

Speaking with our correspondent, Odia stated that the demand was absurd, calling on the authorities to intensify efforts in rescuing the 31 hostages in the custody of the kidnappers.

He also said that the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo and Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Fidel Okhiria were at Igueben to assess the situation.

Odia said the authorities promised to deploy helicopters on Tuesday to locate where the victims were kept in the bush.

He said, “I can tell you that the kidnappers have demanded N20m, totalling N620m. This is absurd and I don’t know where poor people will be able to raise that amount of money.’’

Edo state police spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor could not confirm the veracity of the claim.

However, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare,  disclosed that six victims had been rescued, adding that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining 26 victims.

The commissioner in a statement noted that Governor Godwin Obaseki had given directives that the criminals should be arrested.

He added that two wanted kidnappers who were not connected to the present case have been arrested and would also help the police in their investigation.

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