Tragedy in Niger: Bandits Free Abducted Man After N30m Ransom, Killed His Wife

Minna, Niger State – After a harrowing seven months in captivity, retired civil servant Yakubu Dada has been released by bandits following the payment of a staggering N30 million ransom. However, his freedom comes with a profound tragedy: his youngest wife, Lami, abducted alongside him, was killed by the kidnappers in early May to pressure the family into meeting their demands.

Dada, a resident of the Brighter Area of Minna, was abducted with Lami on October 31, 2024, along the Kontagora Road in Niger State. His eldest wife, Maimuna, confirmed his release on Monday, June 2, 2025, stating that he was abandoned by the bandits near Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area after they received the additional N20 million.

The family’s ordeal began in November 2024 when they initially paid N10 million. Maimuna revealed that to raise this initial sum, they were forced to sell almost all their possessions, including their house, two cars, furniture, and other valuables. The payment was reportedly delivered by Dada’s younger brother in a forest located in Kebbi State.

Despite the initial payment, the bandits escalated their demands, first asking for N60 million, then reducing it to N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles. As the family struggled to meet these exorbitant demands, the kidnappers resorted to a barbaric act, killing Lami in early May to exert further pressure.

Yakubu Dada, who also worked as an ad hoc staff with the World Health Organisation, endured this unimaginable loss while still in the bandits’ den. His release, while a relief, is overshadowed by the devastating cost and the brutal nature of his captors.

This incident underscores the escalating banditry crisis plaguing Niger State and other parts of Nigeria, where abductions for ransom have become a rampant and often deadly business.

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Families are frequently left to their own devices, selling everything they own to secure the release of their loved ones, often with no guarantee of their safety.

Authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the Dada kidnapping, and locals express fear of reporting such incidents due to concerns of becoming targets themselves.