Bandits holding Saidu Abubakar, a young English language teacher and aide to a Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship aspirant in Zamfara State, have reportedly demanded an additional ₦10 million ransom after collecting the same amount from his family.
Abubakar was abducted alongside other passengers during a daylight attack along the Tsafe–Magezu axis of Zamfara State on August 25, 2026.
The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), which disclosed the development, said the abductors had refused to release the teacher despite receiving ₦10 million from his family and friends.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Michael Adaramoye Lenin, and National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, the group expressed concern over Abubakar’s continued captivity and the growing financial burden placed on his family.
According to the organisation, a video circulated by the abductors showed Abubakar and another victim, identified as an airport staff member, appealing for assistance to raise the additional ransom demanded for their release.
YRC said the family had struggled to raise the initial ₦10 million without meaningful support, only for the abductors to demand another ₦10 million.
The group condemned the development, describing it as an example of the growing kidnapping crisis in Nigeria, where families are forced to exhaust their financial resources in desperate efforts to secure the freedom of abducted relatives.
It also expressed concern that the victims had remained in captivity for weeks, despite the involvement of security agencies. The organisation further stated that two people were reportedly killed during the initial attack.
The campaign group criticised the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Government over what it described as inadequate protection for citizens, particularly in the North-West, where armed attacks and kidnappings remain major security concerns.
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YRC questioned the effectiveness of public spending on security, arguing that residents and travellers should not be left to negotiate their survival with kidnappers after being abducted on major roads.
The organisation called on the Zamfara State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian military to intensify efforts to rescue Abubakar, the airport staff member and other victims still being held.
It also demanded greater accountability from the state and federal governments regarding the deployment of security budgets and other funds allocated to tackling kidnapping and violent attacks.
Group Demands Immediate Release of Victims
YRC urged the authorities to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar and all other persons still in the abductors’ custody.
The group also appealed to media organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to amplify calls for the victims’ safe return.
It pledged to sustain its campaign until Abubakar, the airport worker and other captives were safely released.
The latest development highlights the continuing concerns over kidnapping for ransom in Zamfara State and the financial and emotional hardship faced by families of victims.
As of the time of this report, the victims’ release had not been confirmed.
Asenexpress will continue to follow developments in the case.
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