The children of a lecturer from Federal University of Dutsinma, Dr. Tiri Gyang, who was killed by bandits at his residence in Katsina State, have been freed by their captors.
The children simply identified as Derrick and Caleb, were released after the death of their father.
According to the Vanguard, a reliable source said that the bandits initially demanded a ₦20 million ransom for the children’s release, although the exact amount subsequently paid is unclear.
The source further disclosed that after the ransom was paid, only Caleb, the younger child, was initially released. The bandits then demanded two motorcycles and a ₦200,000 mobile recharge card for Derrick’s release. After these items were delivered, Derrick was released on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Associates of the late Dr. Tiri stated that plans for his burial are nearly complete following the children’s release.
Meanwhile, new information has emerged about Mallam Garba Gardi Funtua, the father of Aisha, a student kidnapped alongside Dr. Tiri’s children.
It was reported that Mallam Garba personally delivered the ransom for his daughter’s release. However, after taking the ransom and releasing his daughter, the bandits captured Garba and later killed him.
One of Garba’s sons confirmed on Facebook that his father was killed after paying a ₦2 million ransom for Aisha’s freedom. The bandits, who had detained his father, demanded an additional ₦5 million, not revealing that they had killed him 17 days earlier, the day after he was taken hostage.
The Facebook post reads: “It is with total submission to the will of Allah (SWT) that I announce the death of my father Alh. Abubakar Garba Gardi Funtua. He was killed by the bandits that kidnapped my sister last month. Jana’iza holds tomorrow 5/08/2024 at his residence in Gangaren Tasaulawa, Funtua by 9 am, inshaAllah. Please pray for his soul.”
