A teacher at Federal Government College, Anka, in Zamfara State, Mustapha Yahaya Maru, has reportedly been killed by armed bandits despite the payment of ransom for his release.
Drivetvnews gathered that Maru was abducted earlier in May while travelling to Anka alongside other passengers after gunmen intercepted their vehicle.
Following the kidnapping, the attackers reportedly contacted his family and demanded a huge ransom. After several negotiations and efforts by relatives and sympathisers, the family eventually raised the required amount and paid the kidnappers in hopes of securing his freedom.
However, reports indicated that the bandits killed the teacher on Tuesday instead of releasing him, throwing his family, colleagues, and members of his community into mourning.
The incident has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State and other parts of northern Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping and bandit attacks continue to rise.
In a separate attack earlier this month, suspected bandits reportedly ambushed travellers along Tashar Lawali Road in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.
During the attack, a driver identified as Lawali Hakimi was shot dead, while two local government officials were abducted by the gunmen.
The kidnapped officials were identified as Jamilu Sani, Director of Planning in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, and Muslimu Habibu, a councillor representing Jangebe Ward.
Another official, Samaila Ladan, attached to the local government’s Hajj Affairs Unit, reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.
The attack was said to have occurred after heavily armed gunmen blocked the road near Jangebe District and opened fire on motorists and commuters passing through the area.
Residents have continued to call for stronger security measures as violent attacks and kidnappings persist across Zamfara and neighbouring states.
