Six kidnapped victims from Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Council of Rivers State, who recently regained their freedom, have revealed that a ransom of N28 million was paid for their release after spending 12 harrowing days in captivity.

The victims, who were abducted on April 4, 2025, near the New Calabar River, recounted their ordeal while receiving treatment in the hospital. According to them, the kidnappers initially demanded N60 million, but negotiations led to the payment of N28 million before they were set free.

Narrating their experience, the victims said they were subjected to severe torture, starvation, and constant threats to their lives. They alleged that the kidnappers, whom they identified as Ijaw youths from Bayelsa State, blindfolded and ferried them deep into the mangrove forest where they were held.

“They tortured us, beat us, and seized our phones. They searched our bank apps, accessed our alerts, and withdrew all the money in our accounts. For 12 days, they gave us only raw garri twice, with nothing to drink it with. We survived by God’s grace,” one of the victims said.

They further claimed the abductors told them they were on a mission to kidnap and kill members of the Bille community for allegedly aiding the suppression of illegal oil bunkering, locally known as kpofire, in the region.

Following their release, the victims called on the government to prioritise security on the waterways. They urged authorities to deploy gunboats along the creeks and not just on the high seas, suggesting that security checkpoints be established every 200 metres along Bille’s waterways.

“The government should allow and empower local community boys to provide security if they cannot do it themselves. Our lives are constantly in danger. These waters are no longer safe,” they pleaded.