A retired civil servant, Yakubu Dada, has regained his freedom after spending over seven months in captivity, but his release came at a heartbreaking cost.
Despite paying a total of ₦30 million in ransom, the abductors killed his wife, Lami, during the ordeal, highlighting the relentless brutality of kidnappers terrorizing communities across Niger State.
SEE ALSO: Nigeria in Crisis Already, Not Heading There, Emir Sanusi Declares
After enduring more than seven months in captivity, a Nigerian man, Yakubu Dada, has been released by his abductors who had earlier murdered his wife, Lami, in an attempt to pressure his family for more ransom. The tragic episode unfolded along the Kontagora Road in Niger State, where the couple was kidnapped on October 31, 2024.
Dada was finally released on Monday, June 2, 2025, after the family paid an additional ₦20 million to the kidnappers. This payment followed an earlier ransom of ₦10 million paid in November 2024, bringing the total amount given to the criminals to ₦30 million.
The abductors had initially demanded a much higher sum and four Bajaj motorcycles, threatening to kill Dada if their demands were not met. Unfortunately, despite efforts by the family to negotiate and comply, the bandits went ahead and killed his wife, Lami, in early May 2025. Her death was reportedly meant to send a warning to the family and force them to accelerate the payment of the remaining ransom.
Dada, a retired civil servant and a resident of the Brighter Area in Minna, was traveling with Lami when their vehicle was intercepted by armed men a few kilometers from Kontagora. They were taken into the forest by the assailants, sparking a prolonged and agonizing period for the family.
The release was confirmed by Dada’s eldest wife, Maimuna, who spoke to the media shortly after he was freed. She revealed that the kidnappers dropped him near Kotonkoro in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State after receiving the latest payment. She recounted the extreme measures the family had taken to raise funds for the ransom, stating that nearly all their household items had been sold.
Maimuna disclosed that in order to gather the initial ₦10 million, the family sold their home, two cars, beds, televisions, and other valuable possessions. The first ransom was reportedly delivered in a remote forest location in Kebbi State by Dada’s younger brother. Despite this massive financial and emotional toll, the kidnappers continued to demand more.
Originally, after receiving the first payment, the criminals asked for an additional ₦60 million. However, following further negotiations, they eventually lowered their demands to ₦20 million and four motorcycles. Still, the family struggled to raise even the revised amount and had to seek help from friends, relatives, and community members to meet the deadline set by the abductors.
The killing of Lami sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting once again the brutal reality of Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis. Her death is seen as a tragic reminder of how far kidnappers are willing to go to extort money from vulnerable families.
Yakubu Dada’s release brings some relief to the family, but it also leaves behind a trail of grief and heavy financial losses. His recovery process is expected to take time, both physically and emotionally, given the trauma endured and the devastating loss of his wife during the ordeal.
The incident has reignited calls for the government to intensify efforts in tackling the growing menace of kidnapping and banditry across the country, especially in the northern region where such incidents remain alarmingly frequent.
