An unidentified armed group that kidnapped a businessman and his brother in East Darfur on Thursday are demanding a ransom of SDG 150,000 for their release, relatives of the victims disclosed. The brothers Ali Kobe and Mohamed Kobe were ambushed by gunmen in an area outside Ed Daein.

The family source noted that dozens of the victims' relatives are urging the government to immediately intervene and solve the situation before family members take matters in their own hands.

East Darfur governor Abdul Hamid Musa Kasha warned the captives' family not to try to find the kidnappers. He pledged the government will make use of all possible means to ensure the brothers are rescued and reunited with their families.

Traders of Ed Daein market closed their shops on Saturday in fear of being targeted by armed gangs.

File photo: A Darfur trader (by Sharon Lukunka/UNAMID)