Suspected kidnappers have reportedly killed a former federal lawmaker from Jigawa State, Abba Anas Adamu, after collecting a ransom of N50 million from his family.
Adamu, a chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress, was said to have been abducted alongside his political associate, Ali Tukur Gantsa, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway while travelling for a political meeting.
A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims were travelling from Kano to Abuja when they were attacked and taken away by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.
According to the source, the incident happened last Wednesday near Jere, an area along the Abuja-Kaduna route which has repeatedly recorded cases of kidnapping and armed attacks over the years.
The source explained that the kidnappers initially demanded N200 million before negotiations later reduced the amount to N50 million.
“They were abducted on their way to Abuja from Kano for a political meeting. The abductors took them into the bush around Jere and demanded a huge ransom. After several negotiations, the family agreed to pay N50 million,” the source said.
However, despite the payment, the kidnappers allegedly dumped the lifeless body of Adamu at the outskirts of a town instead of releasing him alive as earlier promised.
The development has thrown members of the African Democratic Congress and political stakeholders in Jigawa State into mourning.
Several associates and supporters described the late politician as a humble and peaceful man who was committed to the development of his people.
Family members disclosed that Adamu had been battling asthma and hypertension before his abduction.
According to them, his condition worsened during captivity because he was unable to access his medications for several days.
Sources close to the family said the former lawmaker became weak while in captivity due to stress, fear and poor health conditions inside the kidnappers’ hideout.
It was gathered that his associate, Gantsa, repeatedly tried to encourage him and reassure him during the ordeal, but his health reportedly continued to deteriorate.
The kidnappers were also accused of hiding the true condition of the former lawmaker from the family during negotiations for the ransom payment.
Although Gantsa was eventually released alive, reports indicated that Adamu died while still in captivity.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Jigawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress.
However, sources confirmed that Gantsa and the remains of the late politician were being conveyed to Kano for burial preparations in line with Islamic rites.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over the worsening insecurity along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway and other parts of northern Nigeria.
The Abuja-Kaduna road has for years remained one of the most dangerous highways in the country, with travellers frequently targeted by kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers.
Despite repeated security operations and government assurances, attacks have continued along the route, forcing many travellers to avoid road transport between Abuja and Kaduna.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s biggest security challenges in recent years.
Armed groups often target politicians, businesspeople, traditional rulers, students and ordinary citizens, demanding huge sums for their release.
In several cases, victims have been killed even after ransom payments were made by their families.
The latest incident has also renewed calls for stronger security presence on major highways and improved intelligence gathering by security agencies.
Supporters said he was widely respected within his community because of his simple lifestyle and accessibility to ordinary people.
Many Nigerians have continued to express concern over the rising insecurity across the country, especially in northern states where kidnapping and banditry have become frequent.
Civil society groups have repeatedly urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle armed groups operating along highways and rural communities.
Residents in affected areas have also called for improved surveillance, quicker emergency response and tougher punishment for kidnappers.
The death of the former lawmaker after ransom payment has further highlighted the dangers faced by travellers and the growing fear among citizens over the country’s security situation.
As family members, friends and political associates prepare for his burial, many are demanding justice and stronger action against criminal groups terrorising communities across Nigeria.