Gunmen request 2.7 billion ransom

Gunmen who kidnapped about 90 traders and civilians on 11 September in Milo, North Darfur, are asking the hostages’ families a ransom of 2.7 billion Sudanese pounds (30 million per person), victims’ relatives reported. They spoke to Radio Dabanga on Wednesday 19 September, from Kabkabiya, North Darfur. Witnesses said the hostages were traveling from Kabkabiya to Golo area in Central Darfur in the back of two trucks when they were intercepted by pro-government militia. The militia, driving Land Cruisers and on horses, abducted the victims when they were passing by Milo, south of Kabkabiya, they added. Sources informed Radio Dabanga the victims were taken to Khor Ramla, west of Nertiti city, in Central Darfur. Relatives of the hostages, who come mostly from Kabkabiya, said the kidnappers contacted them to ask for a ransom of 30 million Sudanese pounds per victim. In addition, sources said, the gunmen claimed to have kidnapped these 90 victims because they have links with the perpetrators who killed and looted 9 people in Jebel ‘Amer last week. Victims’ relatives told Radio Dabanga that the demand for ransom caused panic and fear among them. They explained that pro-government militias are known to kill hostages if ransoms are not paid. The relatives added that both the police and Unamid were notified about the incident.Related content: Kabkabiya: at least 8 killed by gunmen -Updated (11 September 2012)