Abductors Demand N20 Million and Motorcycles for Kaduna Councillorship Aspirant’s Release

In a harrowing turn of events, gunmen have abducted Japheth Zarma Yakubu, a councillorship aspirant from Kurmin-Kare community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The kidnappers are demanding a hefty ransom of N20 million and two motorcycles for his release. The abduction, which occurred last Thursday while Yakubu was inspecting his farm, has thrown the community into turmoil as his family and loved ones scramble to secure his freedom.

A source close to the family revealed to Newsmen that the kidnappers contacted Yakubu’s family using the victim’s phone at around 11:45 am on Sunday.

During the call, the leader of the bandit group communicated their demands, insisting that N20 million and two motorcycles be provided to secure Yakubu’s release.

This ransom demand underscores the increasing trend of kidnappers in Nigeria making exorbitant financial and material requests, placing immense pressure on victims’ families who often struggle to meet these demands due to the harsh economic realities.

The source further disclosed that negotiations are currently underway as one of Yakubu’s relatives is in direct contact with the kidnappers, trying to plead for a reduction in the ransom amount.

“The relative of the victim came to inform us on how he had been able to talk to the bandits’ leader on the need to reduce the ransom demanded due to the economic hardship of the present situation,” the source explained.

The relative is appealing to the kidnappers, highlighting the economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians, in the hope that the ransom can be adjusted to a more manageable figure.

Kidnappings for ransom have become a distressingly common occurrence in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups operate with relative impunity.

These criminal elements often target individuals perceived to have the means to pay substantial ransoms, such as politicians, business owners, and their families.

The abduction of Yakubu, a political aspirant, further illustrates the precarious security situation in Kaduna State, where kidnappings have surged in recent years despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the menace.

The economic impact of these kidnappings is profound, not only on the direct victims and their families but also on communities at large.

The financial burden of raising such large sums of money, coupled with the psychological trauma of negotiating with ruthless criminals, can leave lasting scars on those involved.

Additionally, the demand for motorcycles, a common requirement by kidnappers, indicates a strategic aim to enhance their mobility and operational capabilities, thereby perpetuating the cycle of crime.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach ASP Hassan Mansur, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, for comments on the abduction have been unsuccessful.

This lack of immediate response from the authorities is not uncommon in such cases, as security operatives often adopt a cautious approach, prioritising the safety of the victim over public disclosures during ongoing negotiations.

However, the absence of a timely police response can also add to the anxiety and uncertainty faced by the victim’s family.

The abduction of Yakubu has sparked widespread concern among residents of Kurmin-Kare and the broader Kachia Local Government Area, who are calling for increased security measures to protect citizens from the growing threat of banditry and kidnappings.

Local leaders and community members have urged the government to intensify efforts to address the security challenges in the region, including deploying additional security personnel and enhancing surveillance to prevent further abductions.

The Kaduna State government has been grappling with escalating insecurity, including bandit attacks, kidnappings, and communal conflicts, which have displaced thousands of residents and disrupted economic activities.

Despite various initiatives aimed at combating these threats, including military operations and community policing efforts, the persistence of such incidents suggests that more comprehensive and sustained strategies are needed to restore peace and stability in the region.

As negotiations continue, the family of Japheth Zarma Yakubu remains hopeful for a positive outcome, though the ordeal has undoubtedly taken a toll on them.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader security challenges facing Nigeria, where citizens, irrespective of their status or occupation, remain vulnerable to the threat of kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

The government and security agencies must redouble their efforts to protect lives and property, and to ensure that those who perpetrate such acts are brought to justice, thereby restoring public confidence and security in affected communities.