There is growing anxiety over the continued captivity of retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, who has now spent 50 days in the hands of kidnappers despite his family paying a hefty ransom.
Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted along with nine others on February 5 from his hometown of Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Despite the ransom payment, his abductors have refused to release him. A family source, speaking to Daily Trust, confirmed that after receiving the money, the kidnappers went silent for a week before allowing Tsiga to speak with his family.
“We are worried. I can assure you that a huge amount was given, but unfortunately, they have failed to fulfill their part of the agreement,” the source said.
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“The money was taken to them, and it was only after one week, on Tuesday 11th, that they called and allowed us to hear his voice. Unfortunately, since that time, he has not been heard from again. It has now been exactly two weeks since we last spoke to him.”
The source further disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the family again, demanding additional ransom, which was not paid.
It was earlier reported that the abductors initially demanded ₦250 million for Tsiga’s release. However, negotiations saw the amount repeatedly adjusted, with reports suggesting that he had been moved to a new hideout.
There have been growing calls from various quarters, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Katsina Elders Forum (KEF), urging the federal government and the Nigerian military to intensify efforts to secure the retired general’s freedom.
Daily Trust