Bandits renege on deal, keep NYSC member hostage despite receiving ₦10 million ransom, motorcycles

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A tragic ordeal has taken a turn for the worse for a kidnapped National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, simply identified as Abba, who remains in the clutches of his abductors despite the payment of a substantial ransom.

According to sources close to the victim’s family, the terrorists had initially demanded a significant sum for the release of the corps member, who was seized in Zamfara State. After weeks of agonizing negotiations, the family and associates managed to raise the funds to meet the captors’ demands.

Reliable sources disclosed that the ransom payment, amounting to ₦10 million in cash, was delivered to the bandits. In addition to the monetary payment, the terrorists also insisted on, and received, two brand-new motorcycles as part of the agreed-upon terms for Abba’s release.

However, in a cruel twist that has left the family devastated, the armed group reneged on the agreement immediately after collecting the ransom and the motorcycles. It is understood that the terrorists are now making fresh demands, insisting on an additional motorcycle before they will free the hostage.

The development has plunged the family into deeper despair, having exhausted their resources to gather the initial ransom. Abba, a corps member serving his fatherland, has now spent an extended period in captivity.

Authorities in Zamfara State have repeatedly advised against the payment of ransom to bandits, arguing that it fuels further abductions. Nonetheless, desperate families often resort to private negotiations and payments in a bid to secure the freedom of their loved ones.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the police regarding the latest development in the case. The family is reportedly at a loss, unsure of how to meet the new demand.