Abductors free slain Katsina varsity lecturer’s children

Terrorists have released the two abducted children of the slain lecturer of the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, the late Dr. Tiri Gyang, after spending about 37 days in their den.

Gyang was killed by terrorists at his residence in Dutsinma while his two children were kidnapped by the hoodlums, According Metro learnt.

Our correspondent learnt that the terrorists had earlier demanded an N20m ransom to release the children. However, it was not clear whether the exact amount was paid to secure their release.

According to a source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak with the media, after the ransom was paid, the terrorists released the younger son, Caleb, then demanded two motorcycles and N200,000 mobile recharge cards to release the eldest one, Derrick, on Sunday.

It was also learnt that the slain lecturer’s remains would soon be committed to earth following the release of his children.

In a related development, Mallam Garba Funtua, the father of the female student, Aishab Garba, who was kidnapped alongside Gyang’s children, who himself took the demanded ransom to the terrorists to free his daughter, had also been held by the hoodlums.

The terrorists however released the daughter, Aisha, after collecting the ransom but later killed the father, Funtua.

According Metro learnt from one of the late Funtua’s sons on his official social media, Facebook, that his father was killed by the bandits after paying a N2 million ransom for Aisha’s release.

He explained that the hoodlums held their father captive and demanded an additional N5m, unknown to them he had been killed 17 days earlier, a day after they took him captive.

“It is with total submission to the will of Allah (SWT) that I announce the death of my father, Alh. Abubakar Funtua. He was killed by the bandits that kidnapped my sister last month. Jana’iza holds 5/08/2024, at his residence in Gangaren Tasaulawa, Funtua by 9 a.m., Insha Allah. Please pray for his soul”, part of Garba’s Facebook post read.

However, no official statement from the relevant authorities on the development.

According Metro had earlier reported that terrorists stormed the residence of the Gyang and launched their heinous mayhem in the early hours of Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Until his demise, he was the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Rural Development at the institution.