Despite N10m ransom, bandits kill wife, hold husband hostage

Despite N10m ransom, bandits kill wife, hold husband hostage

 Bandits have reportedly killed a woman named Lami, who was abducted alongside her husband, Yakubu Dada, on October 31, 2024, while traveling on Kontagora Road in Niger State.

The kidnappers, after already receiving 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 met.

Dada, a retired civil servant from the Brighter Area of Minna, was taken a few kilometers from Kontagora while on a journey with his youngest wife.

In an interview with journalists, his eldest wife, Maimuna, revealed that the family had sold nearly all their belongings—including their home, two cars, furniture, televisions, and other valuables—to raise the initial ransom, which was paid in November.

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

She said after  collecting the N10, million, bandits demanded additional N60 million but later reduced it to N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles which the family had not been able to raise 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 payment, Lami was killed on Sunday “The bandits allowed us to speak with our husband. He broke the news that Lami had been shot dead and warned that they would kill him too if we fail to raise another N20 million and provide four motorcycles.”

Maimuna called on the Niger State government and security agencies to intervene and rescue their husband.

A neighbour, Idris Mohammed, revealed that 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 revert.

EFCC denies report claiming it revealed why VeryDarkMan was detained

Atiku demands immediate release

Many feared dead as bandits attack Bauchi communities