Kidnappers who abducted a Chinese expatriate, Mr. Sam Xie Wie, and his Nigerian colleague, Mr. David Adenaiye, from a mining site in Kwara State have demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for their release.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who revealed the information on Friday via his verified X account, the abductors contacted an associate of the victims identified as Mr. Leo Liang using the hostages' mobile phones to communicate their demands.

Details of the Mining Site Attack

The kidnapping occurred on Wednesday during a violent raid on the mining operation. The attack turned deadly when two Police Mobile Force personnel, who had been assigned to protect the expatriates, were killed during the incident.

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing mining operations in Nigeria, particularly those involving foreign nationals who are often targeted for high-value ransoms.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Makama noted that security operatives, working alongside local vigilante groups, have launched an extensive search operation in efforts to rescue the abducted men unharmed. The operation is currently ongoing across suspected hideouts in the area.

This kidnapping comes amid increasing concerns about the safety of mining operations in various parts of Nigeria, with several similar incidents reported in recent months.

The ₦1 billion ransom demand represents one of the highest publicly reported ransom figures in recent kidnapping cases in Nigeria.

Authorities have yet to make an official statement regarding their strategy for securing the release of the hostages, though standard procedure typically involves a combination of negotiation tactics and strategic operations.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security measures in place at mining sites across the country, particularly those with foreign investments and expatriate workers.

Stay connected with BenriNews for updates on this developing story.

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