Kidnappers of eight orphans in Abuja, demand N10m ransom

Gunmen have kidnapped at least eight children from an orphanage, Rachel’s Home, in the Abaji area of Abuja, The PUNCH has learnt.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, the Coordinator of the Orphanage Association in Abuja, Mr. Steven Olusola, said the kidnappers were about 25 in number.
Olusola told our correspondent that the abductors stormed the orphanage around 1am and took eight children away, adding that they have made contact and are demanding N10m.

He said, “They attacked Rachel’s Home Orphanage in Abaji and took away eight children and they are asking for N10m from an orphanage. See what Nigeria has turned into.

“About 25 gunmen attacked the orphanage which has just one security guard. They launched the attack around 1am. I am in touch with the proprietor and we are praying for their release.”

It was learnt that the matter had been reported to the police and the Department of State Services.

The council chairman of Abaji Area Council had also visited the area while efforts were being made to rescue the children.

The PUNCH learnt that Abuja suburbs have been facing attacks for about a year now.

The Nigeria Customs Service had said in an internal memo in September 2020 that terrorists are regrouping around the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, all in North-central Nigeria. Punch