6-6-2025
The gunmen who seized a Chinese expatriate and his Nigerian colleague at mining site in Kwara State have demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for their release.
Mr. Sam Xie Wie and his assistant David Adenaiye were abducted on Wednesday after the gunmen killed the two mobile policemen protecting them in a surprised attack. According to Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert on Lake Chad, the gunmen used the victims’ mobile phones to contact an associate identified as Mr. Leo Liang, through whom the ransom demand was communicated.
The incident has triggered serious concern within security circles, as well as among residents and the business community.
Makama reported that the security agencies, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have since launched a search-and-rescue operation aimed at tracking the kidnappers and securing the safe release of the hostages.
“Authorities are reportedly leveraging both intelligence gathering and community support to locate the victims”, he said.
A security source who spoke to Makama on condition of anonymity said efforts are being intensified to ensure that the abducted men are recovered alive and unharmed.
“We are doing everything possible to get them back safely. It’s a coordinated effort involving several agencies and local networks,” the source said.