Guwahati News: Barnali Baruah Saikia’s Nigerian Vacation Turns into a Ransom Nightmare

Guwahati News Assam — Guwahati News: Assam Woman Held Hostage in Nigeria, Family Receives Ransom Demand, Rescued 2

Guwahati, November 15 – In a harrowing turn of events, Barnali Baruah Saikia, a resident of Assam, has been reportedly held captive in Nigeria, sparking concerns over the safety of Indian nationals travelling abroad. The incident, which came to light after her family received a ransom demand, has prompted an urgent response from local authorities.

Barnali Baruah Saikia, a gym trainer based in Guwahati, travelled to Nigeria on October 28 for a vacation. Her journey took a dangerous turn when, upon arrival, an individual known as King, who had been acquainted with Barnali and her family for two years, allegedly seized her visa and passport. This act effectively stranded her in a foreign country without any means of legal identification or escape.

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The situation escalated when Barnali’s family, unable to establish contact with her following her arrival in Nigeria, received a chilling ransom call. The unidentified caller demanded a substantial sum for Barnali’s release, plunging the family into despair and urgency. In response, the family immediately reached out to the Dispur Police, seeking their intervention in what had rapidly become a complex international abduction case.

Assam Woman Held Hostage in Nigeria, Family Receives Ransom Demand
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The Dispur Police have since initiated a probe into the matter. Given the international nature of the case, the investigation poses unique challenges, including jurisdictional limitations and the need for cooperation with Nigerian authorities. The police are currently working on gathering more information and establishing contact with their counterparts in Nigeria to expedite Barnali’s safe return.

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This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of Indian nationals travelling abroad, particularly to countries with a higher risk of such incidents. It highlights the need for increased awareness and caution among travellers regarding their destination’s safety protocols and the reliability of local contacts.

The Indian government, through its diplomatic channels, is also expected to play a crucial role in ensuring Barnali’s safe return. The Ministry of External Affairs is likely to be involved, coordinating with the Nigerian authorities to navigate the complexities of international law and diplomatic relations.

The local community in Guwahati has expressed shock and concern over the incident. There is a growing call for more robust advisory and support systems for Indian nationals travelling abroad, especially to regions with known risks.

As the investigation continues, the primary focus remains on ensuring the safe return of Barnali Baruah Saikia. This incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers facing travellers and the importance of exercising caution and thorough planning before travelling internationally.