By Adesakin Adefemi
A senior administrator at the College of Education Maru in Zamfara State, Bashar Sani, has been killed by suspected bandits after his family paid a ransom of ₦25.7 million, PRNigeria reports.
The incident has highlighted the grim reality of insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria, where families that pay huge ransoms to rescue loved ones often remain trapped in a cycle of repeated abductions.
According to PRNigeria, Sani’s ordeal began when bandits abducted his two wives, and he paid ₦2 million for their release. The bandits later abducted his younger brother, Hassan Sani, and he paid ₦3.5 million for his freedom.
Despite relocating to a safer area, the bandits traced them and abducted Sani, his wife, and daughter.
The kidnappers demanded ₦20 million for their release, which was paid in full, along with three motorcycles, airtime recharge cards, and mobile phones. However, Sani was later killed in captivity, reportedly due to prolonged torture and untreated medical complications.
Hassan Sani, the victim’s brother, expressed shock and grief over the incident, saying his brother had done everything to secure their release. The family is now calling for justice and stronger security measures to protect communities in Zamfara State.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents who are demanding increased security presence in the area. Community leaders are describing Sani’s death as a heartbreaking example of the insecurity plaguing rural communities.
Sani was a respected educator and administrator who dedicated his life to public service and education.
His death has renewed calls for stronger security interventions to protect vulnerable communities across Zamfara and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
The Zamfara State government has yet to comment on the incident, but residents are urging authorities to take immediate action to address the security situation. The incident has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures in the state.
As the community mourns Sani’s death, friends and colleagues are paying tribute to his life and service. “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah,” a mourner said.
The incident highlights the need for a more robust approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in areas plagued by banditry and kidnapping. The government must take concrete steps to protect citizens and ensure justice for victims of such atrocities.
