Bandits demand additional N60m for release of couple after their family sold house, car to raise N10m ransom

The abductors of a retired civil servant, Mallam Yakubu Dada and his wife, have refused to release them after payment of N10m ransom.

The couple was kidnapped along the Kontagora-Tegina road in Niger State in October 2024.

According to a journalist with Daily Trust, Akote Sadeeq Abubakar, Dada’s family sold his house, car, and household items to raise the N10m they paid to the kidnappers.

However, the kidnappers demanded an additional N60m ransom and ten motorcycles which they said they could not meet as they had sold all their valuables.

“As we celebrate the New Year in peace, let us not forget that many residents of Niger State remain in captivity, with their families losing hope of their return,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 2.

“One such victim is Mallam Yakubu Dada, a retired civil servant, and his youngest wife, who were kidnapped on the Kontagora-Tegina road in October. In a desperate attempt to secure their release, his family sold everything they owned—his house, car, televisions, and furniture—to raise the N10 million initially paid to the abductors.

“However, while awaiting their freedom, the kidnappers have now demanded an additional N60 million and 10 motorcycles. The family simply cannot meet these new demands.

“Furthermore, 23 women from Allawa in Shiroro Local Government Area have been in captivity since February 2024, along with many farmers from Kontagora and Mariga who are also being held hostage.

“The Niger State government must act immediately to intervene and ensure their safe release.”