Family of Abducted Retired Civil Servant and Wife in Niger State Faces Unbearable Ransom Demands.
The family of retired civil servant Mallam Yakubu Dada and his wife, Lami, are in despair after exhausting all their resources to meet the ransom demands of their kidnappers, who abducted the couple on October 31, 2024, along the Kontagora-Tegina Road in Niger State.
Despite raising an initial N10 million by selling their home, cars, and other possessions, the kidnappers have raised the stakes, demanding an additional N60 million and 10 motorcycles.
A Family Stripped of Everything
Dada’s family sold everything they owned to pay the initial ransom, including their house, now owned by someone else who has given them a three-month notice to vacate. Despite this sacrifice, the abductors have refused to release the couple. Maimuna, Dada’s eldest wife, described the heartbreaking ordeal:
“Our husband is a retired civil servant working as an ad hoc staff with the World Health Organisation. When they demanded N100 million, we pleaded and negotiated until they agreed to accept N10 million.
We sold everything, including our home and cars, and even borrowed money from friends. But now they want N60 million and 10 motorcycles, which we simply cannot raise.”
Maimuna also expressed fears for Lami’s health, as she suffers from diabetes and may not be receiving proper care in captivity.
The Emotional and Financial Toll
The abduction has plunged the family into financial ruin. The children have missed exams due to unpaid school fees, and the family is struggling to feed themselves. The emotional toll is equally devastating, with Dada pleading for his life during his last communication with the family.
“Our husband begged us to raise the money and motorcycles, even if we had to beg around. He asked us not to let them kill him,” Maimuna said, her voice breaking with emotion.
A Community in Crisis
The ordeal of Dada’s family mirrors the plight of many in Niger State. In Shiroro Local Government Area, 23 women abducted in February 2024 remain in captivity, as their families are unable to pay the ransom of three motorcycles per victim. Released women revealed harrowing stories of exploitation, including forced labor and domestic servitude.
Government Silence and Inaction
Efforts to reach the Niger State Police Command for an update on the abductions have yielded no response. Calls and messages to police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun remain unanswered.
A Plea for Help
Journalist Comrade Lanre Sadiq captured the community’s anguish in a Facebook post:
“As we celebrate the New Year in peace, let us not forget that many residents of Niger State remain in captivity, with their families losing hope of their return.”
The plight of Mallam Yakubu Dada, his wife Lami, and countless others highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria and the urgent need for government intervention to combat kidnapping and provide relief to affected families.