Boko Haram demands N194m to free 5 abducted aid workers

Boko Haram have demanded $500,000 (equivalent to N194m) for the release of four abducted humanitarian workers and a security guard in their custody.

In a video circulating online, published by Daily Trust, the five captives who all sat on local mats were begging the federal government as well as their respective organisations to come and rescue them from Khalifa soldiers.

The captives’ plea was contained in a two-minute video released by the Islamic sect on Sunday showing the humanitarian workers and staff of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Action Against Hunger, Rich International, International Rescue Committee, and a private security guard urging the government to intervene.

The video exclusively obtained by Daily Trust showed all the abducted persons sitting on local mats begging the authorities and organisations to come and rescue them from Khalifa soldiers.

According to Daily Trust, one of the leading negotiators, who have strong links with the insurgents, said the group is demanding 500,000 dollars before the captives could regain their freedom.