Bandits Tragically Kill Local Government Director After Ransom Payment in Niger State (Watch)
Bandits in Niger State have tragically taken the life of Mallam Yakubu Abdullahi Bala, the Director of Works and Housing for Mariga Local Government Area, even after receiving a ransom of N7 million from his family.
Bala was abducted from his residence in Mariga town over 20 days ago, during which the bandits also kidnapped at least 25 other individuals.
Some of the victims who were eventually released shared the heart-wrenching news with Mallam Bala’s family that he had been killed just three days after his abduction and was buried in their presence.
In a cruel turn of events, after taking the victim’s life and securing the initial ransom, the bandits audaciously demanded an additional N5 million from the bereaved family, falsely claiming that he was ill and required urgent medical treatment.
Mallam Bala’s sister, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi, recounted that her brother was at home with his two wives, one of whom was heavily pregnant, when the bandits invaded their residence. They forced their way in after one of the wives opened the door, subsequently taking him away to an unknown location.
Tragically, despite efforts to raise funds, the bandits did not release Mallam Bala. Family members of four others who were kidnapped managed to pool together N2 million each to secure their release, but this did not help Mallam Bala’s case.
The released victims provided harrowing details, revealing that Mallam Bala had been tied to a tree, and the terrorists had mercilessly broken both his legs before his death. They learned that he was laid to rest in a shallow grave in the forest.
The loss has left behind two widows and ten children, and the family is grappling with the immense grief of Mallam Bala’s untimely death.