Despite Ransom Paid, Bandits K!ll Wife And Hold Husband Hostage

Bandits have reportedly murdered a woman known only as Lami.

DailyTrust reports that the victim was abducted along with her husband, Yakubu Dada, on the Kontagora Road in Niger State, on October 31, 2024.

The kidnappers, who had previously received a N10 million ransom from the family, are now demanding an additional N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles, threatening to kill Dada if their demands are not fulfilled.

Daily Trust reports that Dada, a resident of the Brighter Area of Minna and a retired civil servant, was abducted a few kilometers from Kontagora alongside his youngest wife while traveling to Kontagora.

In an interview, his eldest wife, Maimuna, revealed that the family had sold nearly all their possessions, including the family house, two cars, beds, televisions, and other valuables, to raise the initial N10 million ransom, which was paid in November.

The payment was reportedly handed over by Dada’s younger brother to the kidnappers in a forest in Kebbi State in November 2024.

She stated that after collecting the N10 million, the bandits demanded an additional N60 million but later reduced it to N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles, which the family has been unable to provide since November 2024.

“Our husband is a retired civil servant and currently worked as an ad hoc staff with the World Health Organisation,” she said.

She added that despite the initial payment, Lami was killed on Sunday.

“The bandits allowed us to speak with our husband. He broke the news that Lami had been shot de@d and warned that they would k!ll him too if we fail to raise another N20 million and provide four motorcycles.”

Maimuna appealed to the Niger State government and security agencies to step in and rescue their husband. A neighbor, Idris Mohammed, disclosed that a call for support was made on Friday during Jumaat prayers.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, promised to provide an update.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli