Tragedy has struck a family in the Federal Capital Territory as an Abuja-based businessman, Muhammad Shuaibu, and his 19-year-old daughter, Fatima Muhammad, were killed by bandits despite the payment of a N12 million ransom.
Shuaibu, a trader at Dei-Dei Modern Market in Bwari Area Council, was abducted alongside his daughters from their residence in Zhidu community, under Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, on October 3, 2025.
The attackers reportedly stormed their home in the early hours, rounding up members of the household before whisking the victims away into the bush.
According to a family source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the kidnappers initially demanded ransom in instalments. The family complied, raising the money in three tranches N6 million, N4 million, and a final N2 million bringing the total to N12 million.
In a heartbreaking revelation, the source disclosed that Fatima, a student of the University of Abuja, had been killed by the abductors about three months earlier, even while negotiations for her release were still ongoing. She was allegedly accused of being “stubborn” by her captors.
After the final payment was made, the kidnappers reportedly instructed the ransom bearer to leave, later claiming that Shuaibu had died in captivity after falling seriously ill.
Related News:
Benue Mother Loses Hand in Bandit Attack, Survives Against Odds
Bandits attack Katsina kill 3 policemen
Bandits Attack Kwara Church, Abduct Worshippers
Bandits attack Borno kill 4 Police officers
Bandits attack Kaduna Community, abduct 14 residents
The family was said to have sold nearly all valuable assets, including the deceased’s shop at Dei-Dei Modern Market, his car, and a sachet water production machine, in a desperate effort to secure their release.
The abductors had also allegedly demanded the sale of his house, but no buyer was found.
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for official comments on the incident.
The tragic development has once again highlighted the growing insecurity and the devastating impact of kidnapping-for-ransom across parts of Nigeria.
About the Author
