Bandits have contacted the family of Dr. Saidu Bala, a medical doctor and owner of a private hospital kidnapped in Adamawa State, and demanded an undisclosed large ransom.
The abductors contacted the family earlier today, according to a family member who is the Registrar of Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola.
“They called this morning, and we were able to speak with my brother, who assured us of his safety,” Halima Bala said, crying.
Read Also: Bandits kill seven people, injure many in Plateau market
“My brother asked us to find a ransom; all he said was that you should all find a lot of money,” she explained.
Dr. Bala was abducted Monday evening in Ngurore, a satellite town on the outskirts of Yola, the state capital, while seeing patients at his Aisha hospital.
It was reported that four assailants stormed the hospital around 7 p.m. on Wednesday and forcibly removed him while firing shots to scare people away.
“Yes, shortly after Maghrib prayer, about three or four gunmen stormed the hospital and shot into the air to scare people away,” Halima Bala confirmed.
Read Also: Wase accuses police of releasing suspects, jeopardizing fight against banditry
“The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, has directed that Bala be rescued and the assailants be apprehended,” DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, a spokesman for the state’s police command, said.
“The CP has also assured the state’s government and people that Bala will be rescued safely,” he added.
Nguroje has been plagued by violent crimes in recent years, including kidnapping.
