The armed gang that abducted three Indians and a Pole in Sapele, Delta State, last Friday has demanded for N170 million ransom for their release.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the kidnappers called the chief accountant of the rubber firm that engaged the services of the foreigners on the phone in the early hours of Monday and demanded for the huge sum.
A security source disclosed that it became obvious that the kidnappers did not belong to any of the groups that claimed to be fighting for the Niger Delta cause when they also requested for recharge cards from the accountant.
�One of the kidnappers called the chief accountant of the rubber firm with the mobile phone of one of their captives and demanded for N170 million.
�When the chief accountant said he could not release such amount without the approval of the management, they then requested that recharge cards be sent to them immediately�, the sources disclosed.
It was further learnt that the militants were so desperate that they were prepared to release the hostages last night provided they could make some money from their crime.
�In fact, they want some little money out of this particular case. It is like they don�t have money to continue with the business,� the source said.