By Emmanuel Kwada
A retired government worker, Yakubu Dada, has been freed by his kidnappers after spending seven agonizing months in captivity in Niger State. However, his freedom came at a great cost, as his newlywed wife was brutally killed by the bandits despite the family paying a ransom of N30 million.
The couple was kidnapped in October 2024 while traveling along the Kontagora highway in Niger State, a region plagued by violent abductions and lawlessness.
According to sources close to the family, the bandits initially demanded N10 million, which the family managed to pay, but later demanded an additional N20 million.
Even after paying the ransom, the bandits callously killed Dada’s wife while still holding him captive, a disturbing tactic used by these ruthless kidnappers. The victim’s family and neighbors are still grappling with the traumatic aftermath of this event.
His freedom came at a great cost, as his newlywed wife was brutally killed by the bandits despite the family paying a ransom of N30 million
This incident highlights the growing concern over kidnapping-for-ransom in Nigeria, particularly in the north-central region. Many rural areas remain under the control of violent groups, and the federal government’s efforts to tackle insecurity have been met with limited success.
As of press time, authorities had yet to confirm the development, and efforts to obtain clarification from the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful. This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective action to address the kidnapping epidemic and restore safety and security to Nigerian citizens.
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