Militant group Boko Haram has demanded large ransoms for six Chadian nationals abducted in Niger last month after killing a seventh captive, sources said.
Chad’s embassy confirmed the seven citizens were kidnapped near Mariyari in southeastern Niger, a region frequently targeted by militant attacks.
Officials said one hostage was killed shortly after the abduction, while six others remain in captivity awaiting negotiations for their release.
Human rights sources reported militants demanded up to 500 million CFA francs, nearly $900,000, for one hostage, a young doctor.
The doctor had been travelling home to Chad from Niger’s capital, Niamey, when he was seized alongside the other victims.
Videos circulating online show hostages appealing for help, though their authenticity has not been independently verified.
Families and professional groups have launched fundraising campaigns to secure the captives’ release amid limited official communication.
Authorities say militants also demanded about 50 million CFA francs for each of the remaining hostages.
Southeastern Niger continues to face recurring violence from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province, challenging government security efforts.
