Zenith Bank Staff Dies After Kidnappers Collected 11 Million Naira Ransom and Left Him Halve Dead.
The alarming rise of kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria has prompted widespread calls for the government to declare a state of emergency on security. This recent tragedy involving Zenith Bank staff Austin Ilom serves as a reminder of the urgent need for action.
Austin Ilom, a well-respected staff of the Suleja branch of Zenith Bank, was abducted from his home in Kubwa three weeks ago. His captors demanded an exorbitant ransom of 50 million naira, a staggering sum.
Sadly, Austin’s employer, Zenith Bank, declined to provide any financial assistance towards his release. The bank’s stance, citing the kidnapping as an off-duty incident, has been met with harsh criticism from many Nigerians.
Austin’s brother-in-law, Senator Agom Jarigbe, also reportedly hesitated to intervene, insisting that the bank should contribute to the ransom payment before he would consider taking any action.
Despite the lack of institutional support, Austin’s family and friends rallied together, managing to scrape together 11.5 million naira. However, this amount proved insufficient to secure Austin’s safe return.
Upon collecting the ransom, the kidnappers instructed Austin’s loved ones to gather the remaining balance. Days later, they received a call informing them to collect Austin.
The news they received shattered their hopes. Austin was found in a half-dead state, the victim of brutal neglect and mistreatment. Despite being rushed to Bwari Hospital, Austin succumbed to his injuries shortly after requesting water.
Austin Ilom’s tragic death has left a void in the Suleja community, where he was known for his dedication and professionalism as the branch’s top marketing staff.
The nation’s citizens are growing increasingly weary of the government’s inaction in addressing this escalating crisis.
“We must not allow Austin Ilom’s case to fade into obscurity, becoming another statistic in the grim tally of kidnapping victims. His story demands justice and accountability.” A concerned Nigerians said on social media.
The Nigerian government must heed the pleas of its citizens and take decisive action to curb the menace of kidnappings. The time for complacency is over. Lives are at stake, and the nation’s future depends on our collective commitment to restoring peace and security.
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Zenith Bank Staff Dies After Kidnappers Collected 11 Million.
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