Kidnappers of American woman in Nigeria seek large ransom

Abductors of a 87-year-old American woman missionary, Rev. Phyllis Sortor, in central north Nigeria's Kogi State have asked large ransom in exchange for her release, an aide said on Thursday.

Jacob Ahiaba, a member of the church where Sortor works told reporters that Sortor phoned a woman aide on Tuesday saying that her abductors wanted 290,000 U.S. dollar ransom.

State commissioner of police Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, confirmed that the kidnappers had actually established contact with members of the church and asked for ransom.

The police chief added that efforts were being made to rescue Sortor.

Meanwhile, the State Governor Idris Wada has condemned the kidnapping of the American.

The governor described the action as barbaric and uncivilized and enjoined the police and other security agencies to immediately secure her release.

Sortor was kidnapped on Monday by six masked gunmen at her church premises at Emi Woro area of the state which also houses a group of schools. Enditem